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Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 

F. & A. M. 



jflemortal Volume 



FRANKLIN 
BI-CENTENARY CELEBRATION 




ORIGINAL AQUATINT 
BY F, JANINET 












PROCEEDINGS OF THE RIGHT 
WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE 



OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND HONORABLE 
FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED 
MASONS OF PENNSYLVANIA, AND MASONIC 
JURISDICTION THEREUNTO BELONGING 



AT ITS CELEBRATION OF THE 

Bicentenary of tjje BStrtf) of &tgj)t 

^orsfjtpful $ast <§ranti JHaster 

Brother Benjamin jfranltltn 



Held in the Masonic Temple, in the City of Philadelphia 
on Wednesday, March the Seventh 
A. D. 1906 — A. L. 5906 



Together with an Account of the Memorial Service at 

His Tomb, on Thursday, April the Nineteenth 

A. D. 1906 — A. L. 5906 



1906 

GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA 

PHILADELPHIA 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the Year 1906, in the Office of 

the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C, by 

George W. Kendrick, Jr., R.W.G.M. 



LI6R.W 0! OONGRRSS 
Two Copits Received 

NOV J 5 1906 

r f.try 

i ' <■ r, i o ' 7 f L 

CLASS A XXc, No. 
COPY B. 



3l-. 



Committee on Memorial Volume 

Brother GEORGE W. KENDRICK, Jr., R. W. Grand Master, 
Brother JAMES M. LAMBERTON, Junior Grand Deacon, 
Brother JULIUS F. SACHSE, P. M. Lodge No. 91. 



An Edition of Thvo Thousand Copies has been printed 
of which this is No. .^.^ 



Press of 

The New Era Printing Company 

LANCASTER. Pa. 



CONTENTS 



Introduction 



Brother Julius 



Thk Celebration .... 

The Programme .... 

Officers of the Grand Lodge Present 

Prayer by Grand Chaplain Jackson 

Address : Franklin the Mason, Diplomat, Scientist, Phi 

losopher. By R. W. Grand Master Kendrick . 
Address : Franklin — The Lesson His Life Teaches. By 

R. W. Past Grand Master Tennis 
Address: Franklin and the University of Pennsylvania, 

By Brother Edgar F. Smith . 
Address : Franklin as a Freemason. By 

F. Sachse 

Prayer by Grand Chaplain Bond 

The Memoral Service .... 
Officers and Brethren Present . 
Escort of the Officers of the Grand Lodge 
Invocation by Grand Chaplain Hunter 
Address: Benjamin Franklin. By R. W. 

Kendrick .... 
Address : Franklin as a Freemason and as 

W. Past Grand Master Brown 
Address by Brother Peter Boyd 
Address by Brother John L. Kinsey 
Address by Brother John Weaver 
Concluding Address by R. W. Grand Master Kendrick 
Prayer by Grand Chaplain Lynch .... 



Grand Master 



a Man. By R 



14 

15 
23 
26 

27 

31 

42 

49 
170 

172 
172 
174 
176 

176 

179 
183 
184 
190 

191 
192 



" Masonic Letters op Benjamin Franklin to Henry 

Price." By R. W. Past Grand Master MacCalla . 193 



Contents 



An Account of St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia, and its 

" Liber B." By Brother James M. Lamberton . . 203 

Franklin's " Mason Book " : Facsimile Reproduction of 
Anderson's " Constitutions of the Freemasons ", 
printed in London, in A. D. 1723, and reprinted in 
Philadelphia in A. D. 1734. by Franklin . . . 225 

The Loan Exhibition of Frankliniana .... 319 
The Catalogue 321 

Index 347 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Franklin, by Nini, A. D. 17 
Franklin, by Janinet 



Bas-relief on cover. 
. Frontispiece. S 



The Grand Officers and the Committee on Memorial Volume 
Franklin, Facsimile of Miniature by Thouron . 
The State House in A. D. 1735. Vignette 
Corinthian Hall, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia 
Brother George W. Kendriek, Jr., R. W. Grand Master 
Franklin's Account with St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia 
Original Plan of the State House .... 

Elevation of the State House 

Oldest Masonic Certificate Known .... 



Subscription List for Building the Freemasons' " Lodge " 142-143 



The Memorial Service at Franklin's Tomb 

Franklin's Tomb, April 19, A. D. 1906 . 

The Grand Officers at Franklin's Tomb . 

Page from " Liber B," of St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia 

The Loan Exhibition of Frankliniana, looking East . 

The Loan Exhibition of Frankliniana, looking West 



14 ' 

15 • 
22 
23 > 
27 
61' 
76' 
78 

132 ' 



172 
175, 
191„ 
214 , 
318. 
334 ' 



FACSIMILE REPRODUCTIONS IN 
THE TEXT 



Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 3-8, A. D. 1730 . 54, 60 
Franklin's Common-place Book . . . .64, 121, 124 
Franklin's Journal, or " Ledger A " . . 66, 67, 86, 94, 95 
Franklin's Reprint of Anderson's " Constitutions of the Free- 
masons." Title Page. 
Franklin's Autograph as Grand Master . . . . 88, 89 
Account Connected with the Founding of the Charity School, 

A. D. 1740 127 

Minutes of the Tun Tavern Lodge, Aug. 29 and Sept. 6, A. D. 

1744 135 

Notice of Meeting of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters, Paris . 156 
Officers of the Royal Lodge of Commanders of the Temple, at 

the Orient of Carcassone 157 

Anderson's " Constitutions of the Freemasons ", as reprinted 

by Franklin in A. D. 1734 225-318 

Title Pages of Franklin Imprints 342-345 



Franklin 
Bi-centenary Celebration 



INTRODUCTION 

At the Annual Grand Communication of the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, held on St. John the Evan- 
gelist's Day, December 27, A. D. 1905, A. L. 5905, in 
the Masonic Temple, corner of Broad and Filbert 
Streets, Philadelphia, R. "W. Grand Master Brother 
James W. Brown, in his valedictory address, said: 

"I have referred to Benjamin Franklin in a previ- 
ous paragraph, the fourth Grand Master of Masons 
in Pennsylvania, a patriot, a statesman, one of the 
most gifted of men, earning from his efficient abilities 
the name of "The Many-Sided Franklin," a strong 
figure in our national history, the companion of Wash- 
ington, the country's Representative abroad during 
the darkest days of the young republic, an enthusi- 
astic Freemason, and history shows his participation 
in Masonic functions while in England and in France. 
Time does not permit me to dwell upon his career, but 
this Grand Lodge cherishes and reveres his memory, 
and it seems fitting that we commemorate the ap- 
proaching 200th anniversary of his birth. I am glad 
that an appropriation was made by the Grand Lodge 

9 



1706— Gbe jfranfclin JBUccntenar?— 1906 

to permit an exhibition of his relics under the auspices 
of the Committee on Library." 

At the same Grand Communication, R. W. Grand 
Master Brother George W. Kendrick, Jr., in his in- 
augural address, said: 

"The year 1906 marks the 200th anniversary of 
the birth of Benjamin Franklin, the distinguished 
statesman, scientist, diplomat and Mason. It is my 
intention to commemorate the occasion with appro- 
priate exercises at our March Communication, and 
I trust we may have a very large attendance. 

"There will be an exhibition of Frankliniana under 
the direction of the Committee on Library during the 
month of March, to which I invite the attention of 
the Craft, as it will be well worthy of a visit." 

At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand 
Lodge, held on Wednesday evening, March 7, A. D. 
1906, suitable commemorative exercises were held as 
arranged by the R. W. Grand Master, which are 
herein recorded. 

At the conclusion of the programme, on motion of 
Brother James M. Lamberton, the following resolu- 
tion was unanimously adopted: 

"Resolved, That there be prepared and published, 
under the direction of the Right Worshipful Grand 
Master, a complete account of the exercises of this 
evening, and those of April 19th, A. D. 1906, together 
with other suitable matter relating to Right Worship- 
ful Brother Benjamin Franklin." 

10 



Untro&uctton 



The catalogue of the Loan Exhibition of Frank- 
liniana is given at the end of this volume. 

The Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, at its 
Session of 1905, by an Act approved the 11th day of 
May, A. D. 1905 (P. L. 522), appropriated the sum of 
$20,000 to "the American Philosophical Society, held 
at Philadelphia, for promoting useful knowledge, to 
defray the expenses of the proposed celebration of the 
200th Anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Frank- 
lin. ' ' The preamble of the Act is as follows : 

"Whereas, The two hundredth anniversary of the 
birth of Benjamin Franklin will occur on the seven- 
teenth day of January, Anno Domini one thousand 
nine hundred and six; 

"And whereas, by his services to the city of Phila- 
delphia in suggesting and promoting the first public 
library established in this country, the school which 
subsequently developed into the University of Penn- 
sylvania, the Pennsylvania Hospital, the American 
Philosophical Society, the formation of the first 
Masonic lodge established in America, and other in- 
stitutions of charity and learning; 

"By his services to Pennsylvania in the defense of 
its frontier against the French and Indians, in resist- 
ing the unjust claims of the proprietors, as a member 
of the Assembly and its Speaker, as the agent of the 
Colony of England, as president of the convention 
which framed the first Constitution for the State, and 
as president of the State for three consecutive terms; 

n 



1706— Ebe jfranhltn Bicentenary— 1906 

"By his services to all the colonies in defending 
their rights and advancing their interests abroad, and 
as a member of the Continental Congress in promoting 
their development and formation into an independent 
nation; 

"By his services to the United States as a Com- 
missioner, and subsequently as their sole Plenipo- 
tentiary at the court of Prance, during the revolution, 
under circumstances most difficult and discouraging, 
which were of decisive benefit and effect in establish- 
ing the Independence of the United States, and as a 
delegate from Pennsylvania to the convention which 
framed the Constitution of the United States; and, 

"By his contributions to knowledge, through his 
discoveries in electrical and other sciences, he earned 
the grateful remembrance of the people of this State, 
and it is proper that the approaching bi-centenary of 
his birth should be appropriately celebrated." 

While the other statements in this preamble may or 
may not be accurate, the statement that Franklin 
promoted "the formation of the first Masonic lodge 
established in America," can hardly be said to be 
accurate, when we recall the old account book, now 
in the Collection of the Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania, "Liber B," of St. John's Lodge, Philadel- 
phia, of which Franklin became a member; for from 
this book it appears that he was initiated in February, 
A. D. 1730-1. An account of that Lodge is given in 
this volume. 

12 



introduction 



The celebration under the auspices of the American 
Philosophical Society, or "The Franklin Bicenten- 
ary" as it was called, which began on Tuesday, April 
17th, with a public reception of delegates from foreign 
Societies, and ended with a dinner at the Hotel 
Bellevue-Stratford on Friday evening, April 20th, in- 
cluded a function in the Academy of Music, under the 
direction of the University of Pennsylvania, at which 
an oration was delivered by the Honorable Hampton 
L. Carson, LL.D., Attorney General of Pennsylvania, 
and honorary degrees were conferred upon a number 
of distinguished persons, including Brother Edgak F. 
Smith, President of the American Philosophical So- 
ciety and Vice Provost of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Brother Edward VII, King of Great 
Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India, M. W. 
Past Grand Master of England; and a public meeting 
of the Society in the Academy of Music, at which 
Brother the Honorable Samuel W. Pennypacker, 
LL.D., Governor of Pennsylvania, presided as Patron 
of the Society. 

A very cordial and urgent invitation was extended 
by the President of the American Philosophical So- 
ciety on its behalf, to the Grand Master of Penn- 
sylvania, R. W. Brother George W. Kendrick, Jr., to 
take charge of a memorial service, to be held on the 
afternoon of Thursday, April 19th, at the tomb of 
Franklin, where he was laid to rest April 19th, A. D. 
1790, as he had been Grand Master of Masons in 

13 



1706— ^bc jFranfclin Bi^centenars— 1906 

Pennsylvania in the early part of the eighteenth 
century. 

This invitation was accepted, and an account of the 
service is given in this volume. 

The first Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge 
of England, was prepared by the Reverend Brother 
James Anderson, D.D. (one of the Grand Wardens in 
1723), approved by the Grand Lodge January 17, 
A. D. 1722-3, and published under the title of "The 
Constitutions of the FREE-MASONS. Containing 
the History, Charges, Regulations, &c of that most 
Ancient and Right Worshipful FRATERNITY. For 
the Use of the LODGES." It was printed in London 
"by William Hunter, for John Senex at the Globe, 
and John Hooke at the Flower-de-luce over-against 
St. Dunstan's Church, in Fleet-street. In the Year 
of Masonry 5723 Anno Domini 1723." 

It was reprinted in Philadelphia in A. D. 1734 by 
Franklin, and was the earliest Masonic book printed 
in America, and is here reproduced in fac-simile. 

At the Quarterly Conmiunication, held June 6, A. 
D. 1906, the R. W. Grand Master announced that he 
had appointed Brothers James M. Lamberton and 
Julius F. Sachse to prepare a memorial volume. 

THE CELEBRATION 

The programme was as follows: 



14 




THE GRAND OFFICERS AND THE COMMITTEE 
ON MEMORIAL VOLUME 



WILLIAM L. GORQAS 
R. W. Jumor Grand Warden 



WILLIAM A. SINN 
R. W. Grand Secretary 

JULIUS F SACHSE 



GEORGE B. ORLADY 
R. W. Deputy Grand Master 

GEORGE W. KENDRICK, Jr. 

R. W. GRAND MASTER 



GEORGE W GUTHRIE 
R. W Senior Grand Warden 



THOMAS R. PATTON 
R. W. Grand Treasurer 
JAMES M. LAMBERTON 




t/m a 



*ekJ&?#//<H 




MINIATURE PAINTED BY 
THOURON, PARIS, 1782. 



CELEBRATION 



OF THE 



TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY 



OF THE BIRTH OF 



Brother Benjamin Franklin 



£be IRiQbt TOIlorsbtpful (Brant> Xofcoe 



OF THE MOST ANCIENT AND 
HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF 



Jfrcc ano accepted /Basons of Pennsylvania 

AND MASONIC JURISDICTION THEREUNTO BELONGING 



AT THE QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION 

HELD IN THE 

MASONIC TEMPLE 

IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA 
ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH SEVENTH, A. D. 1906, A. L. 5906 

AT 7 O'CLOCK P.M. 



PROGRAMME 



1. The Fellow-Crafts Song Delafaye 

( From Anderson's " Constitutions," reprinted by Franklin in 

" Hail Masonry ! thou Craft divine ! 

Glory of Earth, from Heav'n reveal'd ; 
Which dost with Jewels precious shine, 

From all but Masons Eyes conceal'd." 



2. "The Earth is the Lord's" . Gerrish 



3. "Our Land, O Lord, with Songs of Praise" Schnecker 



Anthem Vinton 



Hail ! Mysterious Glorious Science 
Which to discord bids defiance. 
Harmony alone reigns here, 
Come let's sing to Him that rais'd us 
From the rugged path that maz'd us 
To the light we revere. 



"Recessional" Kipling-De Koven 



PROGRAMME 



INTRODUCTORY R. W. G. M. Bro. Geo. W. Kendrick, Jr. 



FRANKLIN— THE LESSON HIS LIFE TEACHES 

R. W. P. G. M. Bro. Edgar A. Tennis 



FRANKLIN AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

P. M. Bro. Edgar F. Smith, University Lodge, No. 610 

FRANKLIN AS A FREEMASON 

P. M. Bro. Julius F. Sachse, Columbia Lodge, No. 91 



GRAND OFFICERS 

OF TH E 

GRAND LODGE 

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS 
OF PENNSYLVANIA 



Brother George W. Kendrick, jr . . R. W. Grand Master 

Brother George B. Orlady R. \V. Deputy Grand Master 

Brother George W. Guthrie . R. W. Senior Grand Warden 

Brother William L. Gorgas R. W. Junior Grand Warden 

Brother Thomas R. Patton . . R. W. Grand Treasurer 

Brother William A. Sinn . . . . . R. W. Grand Secretary 



o- 



173 



A--S 





; ^a. 



mS 



M 




!ro. Benjamin Franklin. C3 - M. 
Bro. John Oraf>, D. <3 . M. 

Bro. James Hamilton. S. <3 . W. 

Bro. "Thomas Hopktnson. J- C3 . \A/ 



(©ranti JLotige of ^ennsplbanta 



QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION 

Held at Philadelphia 

March 7, A. D. 1906, H. L. 5906 

ft 

PRESENT 



Bro. George W. Kendrick, Jr, 

Washington, No. 59, Philadelphia 

George W. Guthrie . 

Franklin, No. 221, Pittsburgh. 

William L. Gorgas . . 

Perseverance, No. 21, Harrisburg 

Peter Boyd .... 

Corinthian, No. 368, Philadelphia. 

Thomas R. Patton . . 

Union, No. 121, Philadelphia. 

William A. Sinn . . 

Montgomery, No. 19, Philadelphia 

John A. Perry . . . 

Integrity, No. 187, Philadelphia. 

William J. Kelly 

Washington, No. 59, Philadelphia 

Edgar A. Tennis . . 

Lamberton, No. 371, Thompson 
town. 

J. Henry Williams . 

Washington, No. 59, Philadelphia. 

John L. Kinsey . . 

Philo, No. 444, Philadelphia. 

Murdoch Kendrick . 

University, No. 610, Philadelphia 



R. W. Grand Master. 

R.W. Senior Grand Warden, Act- 
ing R.W. Deputy Grand Master. 

R.W. Junior Grand Warden, Act- 
ing R.W.Senior Grand Warden. 

Senior Grand Deacon, Acting- R. 
AY. Junior Grand Warden. 

R, W. Grand Treasurer. 

R. W. Grand Secretary. 
Deputy Grand Secretary. 
R. W. Past Grand Master. 
R. W. Past Grand Master. 



District Deputy Grand Masters. 



23 



1706— Sbc jfranklin 38i*centenan>— 1906 



Bro. George Hale .... 

University, No. 610, Philadelphia. 

" John W. Lansinger . . 

Lodge No. 43, Lancaster. 

" William M. Donaldson . 

Robert Burns, No. 464, Harrisburg. 

" Samuel M. Goodyear . . 

Cumberland Star, No. 197, Carlisle. 

" George H. Shirk . . . 

I'atmns, No. 34S, Hanover. 

" David H. Weaver . . . 

Coatesville, No. n64, Coatesville. 

" Thaddeus S. Adle . . . 
Charity, No. 190, Norristown. 

" Adam H. Schmehl . . 

St. John's, No. 43o, Reading. 

" Aaron R. Trumbower . . 

Saucon, No. 469, Coopersburg. 

" Matthew H. MacMillan. 

Mahanoy City, No. 357, Mahanoy 
City. 

" Thomas F. Wells . . . 

Peter Williamson, No. 323, Scran- 
ton. 

" Homer E. Spencer . . . 

Canawacta, No. 360, Susquehanna. 

" James Wilson Piatt . . 

Temple, No. 248, Tunkhannock. 

" Howard F. Marsh . . . 

Ossea, No. 317, Well9boro. 

" James A. Pugh .... 

Ivy, No. 397, Williamsport. 

" Ezra C. Doty 

Union, No. 324, Mimintown. 

" Wilson I. Fleming . . 

Bellei'onte, No. 268, Bellefonte. 

" David A. Sawdey . . . 

Perry, No. 392, Erie. 

" Walter D. Clark . . . 

Lodge of the Craft, No. 433, New 
Castle. 



District Deputy Grand Masters. 



Zbc Celebration 



Bro. William B. Meredith . . 

Kittanning, No. 244, Kittanning. 

" James W. McDowell 

Washington, No. 164, Washington. 

" John S. Sell 

Westmoreland, No. 518, Greens- 
burg. 

" John D. Carr .... 

Fayette, No. 228, Uniontown. 

" James Harris Mussina . 

LaKayette, No. 199, Lock Haven. 

" John W. Farnsworth . 

Mahoning, No 516, Danville. 

" William Hahn Maxwell. 

Stichter, No. 254, Pottstown. 

" John J. Jones .... 

Cambria, No. 278, Johnstown. 

" George B. Frantz . . . 

Monongabela Valley, No. 461, Coal 
Centre. 

" Edgar W. Robinson . . 

Eulalia, No. 342, Coudersport. 

" Hiram P. Kuntz . . . 

Hazle, No. 327, Hazleton. 

Rev. Bro. Charles H. Bond 

Covenant, No. 456, Phila- 
delphia. 

" " Frank B.Lynch,D.D. 

Mount Horeb, No. 528, Phil- 
adelphia. 

" " Samuel P. Kelly . 

Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh. 

" Edgar Cope . . . 

Lodge No. 51, Philadelphia. 

" " Thomas M. Jackson 

Risiug Sun, No. 126, Phila- 
delphia. 

" " William B. Wood, 
D.D 

St. Paul's, No. 481. Philadel- 
phia. 

Bro. James M. Lamberton . . 

Perseverance, No. 21, Harrisburg. 



District Deputy Grand Masters. 



Grand Chaplains. 



Junior Grand Deacon as Senior 
Grand Deacon. 



25 



1706— XLhc franklin Bicentenary— 1906 

Bro. Charles W. Packer . . As Junior Grand Deacon. 

Philadelphia, No. 72, Philadelphia. 

" Charles A. Zerbe . . . Grand Steward. 

Lewistown, No. 203, Lewistown. 

Henry G. Bruner . . . Grand Steward. 

Lodge No. 432, Philadelphia. 

" J. Warner Hdtchins . . Grand Marshal. 

Columbia, No. 91, Philadelphia. 

" William J. Diehl . . . Grand Sword Bearer. 

Hailman, No. 321, Pittsburgh. 

" Charles S. Bair .... Grand Pursuivant. 

University, No. 610, Philadelphia. 

" William B. Joslyn . . Grand Tyler. 

Hamilton, No. 274, Philadelphia. 

750 Brethren, representing 173 Lodges, were pres- 
ent. 

The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form at 7 
o'clock P. M. 

Grand Chaplain Reverend Brother Thomas M. 
Jackson offered the following 

PRAYER 

Almighty God, we, as workers on the walls of the 
structure of human life and character, Thy spiritual 
temple in the world, would ask the aid and guidance 
of the Supreme Architect of the Universe in the 
prosecution of our labors. Let Thy blessing rest 
upon the officers and members of the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania and upon all who seek their own up- 
building in righteousness. Lay the plummet of truth 
to our lives, square our actions by the square of 

26 




^^4^^x^ 



£bc Celebration 



virtue, and cement us in the bonds of fraternal affec- 
tion. Graciously remember all classes and conditions 
of men in their need. Pardon our transgressions, and 
when our work is done grant us Thy approval and 
reward. Amen. 

After the business of the Communication had been 
concluded, the Chorus sang three verses of 

THE FELLOW-CRAFTS SONG* 

From Anderson's " Constitutions," reprinted by Franklin in 1734. 

Hail Masonry ! Thou Craft divine ! 

Glory of Earth ! from Heaven reveal 'd ! 
Which doth with Jewels precious shine, 

From all but Masons Eyes conceal 'd. 

Chorus. 

Thy Praises due who can rehearse, 
In nervous Prose or flowing Verse? 

The Right Worshipful Grand Master, Brother 
Geoege W. Kendbick, Je., addressed the Grand 
Lodge : 

FRANKLIN THE MASON, DIPLOMAT, SCIENTIST, 
PHILOSOPHER 

My Beetheen of Geand Lodge : 

Except in this Jurisdiction, it is not usual for Grand 
Lodges to celebrate the anniversaries of our illustri- 
ous departed. This may be due in no small measure 

* The words of the entire song will be found in the Reprint of the 
" Constitutions " below. 

27 



1706— Zbc Jfranftltn Bicentenary— 1906 

to the fact that Pennsylvania numbers among her 
dead a greater proportion who won recognition for 
services to mankind, or that this Grand Lodge had 
jurisdiction over the territory in which such services 
were performed. 

Freemasonry is distinctly a human institution and 
upon the lives and conduct of its members its success 
or failure depends. That it has been able so early 
to achieve and hold its important place in the in- 
stitutions of this country from the early days to the 
present, indicates that the foundation principles upon 
which- it was constituted were strong and enduring, 
and in addition that the founders were familiar with 
and had a veneration for the implements and pur- 
poses of the work. 

Of all the men whose names sound through the ever- 
echoing halls of Fame to immortality, for their work 
in creating the Kepublic in which we live, the two 
most conspicuously identified with our Fraternity were 
Washington and Franklin, and no two represented 
more different types and yet held in closer tie one 
predominating trait. Washington from the South, 
Franklin from the North, one a man of the country, 
the other of the cities and towns ; one recognized as a 
founder, the other as the saviour of his country. 
Washington a man of battles, Franklin a man of 
diplomacy and peace. Our first and greatest Presi- 
dent punctilious as to forms, social and religious; 
our first and greatest Philosopher, in his search for 

28 



£bc Celebration 



truth, oblivious of criticism and indifferent to reli- 
gious sects, his motto being Truth, Sincerity and 
Integrity. But both of these men had to an unusual 
degree faith; faith in themselves, faith in other men 
and faith in a Divine Providence, and in His love and 
law as displayed by our First Great Light. 

And out of this faith grew in Franklin an exceed- 
ing patience, and out of his tremendous imagination 
(and it has been said that no one can be universally 
successful without imagination), there ever appeared 
an optimism, an assurance that in the end right would 
triumph in measure greater than dreamed, which 
acted like a lamp and a pillar of light to the weary 
and disheartened, during the times that tried men's 
souls. 

It has always seemed to me that if these two quali- 
ties abounded in man the sister virtue would gladly 
follow hand in band, and with Faith, Hope and 
Charity as corner-stones, our hearts would be temples 
pleasing in the sight of the '.'real Architect. 

Of Franklin it has been said that he was the 
"moralist of common sense." He was always in 
search of light, was ever a close student of the 
unknown and mysterious, always was identified with 
public movements, anything by which his fellows 
might be benefited. His sympathies were rather for 
mankind than for men. And yet he rose from a 
penniless apprentice printer to sit in the council cham- 
bers of the kings and have a vote in deciding the 

29 



1706— £bc jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

destiny of nations. He was "many-sided," and as 
each step in his career affords some lesson for us, 
upon this occasion the second centenary of the birth 
of our Past Grand Master, who illustrated in his long 
and strenuous life, so many of the principles of Free- 
masonry, some of the Brethren at my request have 
consented to address you. 

The Chorus sang the following anthem, by Gerrish: 

THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S. 

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, 
and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon 
the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend 
into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? 
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not 
lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He 
shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness 
from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them 
that seek Him, that seek thy face, Jacob. Lift up your 
heads, ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors ; 
and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of 
glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in 
battle. Lift up your heads, ye gates; even lift them up, 
ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 
Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the 
King of glory. 

Right Worshipful Past Grand Master Brother 
Edgae A. Tennis addressed the Grand Lodge: 

30 



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FRANKLIN— THE LESSON HIS LIFE TEACHES 

When the Almighty sent the first pair out into the 
world to wring from an unwilling soil the bread to 
sustain physical life, He gave them two particular 
blessings, which have clung to them through all the 
ages as only Divine favors can cling to man— one was 
connubial love, designed to people the earth with 
multitudes like unto the stars of the firmament and 
Heaven with angelic hosts; the second was love for 
the mysterious, designed by the Great Architect of the 
Universe to be the Archimedian lever which should 
lift mankind from the clay of sensual depravity and 
the mire of ignorance, to the high grounds and pure 
atmosphere of spiritual and intellectual excellence. 

It is of this second blessing we are most concerned 
as Masonic Brethren, because it entails the greater 
sacrifice and the employment of deeper virtues for its 
accomplishment. 

Looking back over the years limited to the life of 
this Grand Lodge, we find few whose names are illus- 
trious and who have left foot-prints upon the sands of 
time. Compared, however, with any other two cen- 
turies of our national existence, we find commendable 
progress and the roll of honorable men and heroic 
achievements in humanity's cause much to our credit. 

The mystery of navigation charmed Columbus from 
the marts of trade to the courts of kings, mystery 

31 



1706— ^bc jfranblin Bicentenary— 1906 

lent magical charms to his arguments, mystery filled 
his sails, stood at the wheel and guided his frail 
craft over her own mysterious and unknown sea, with 
the result that millions will speak his name with 
grateful lips through all the coming ages. 

To study the source and history of the mystery of 
Ancient Craft Masonry, Robert Morris, of blessed 
memory, left home and native land to dwell among 
strangers, and, if the mystery of our Society had no 
other plea for its existence than that this hei'oic and 
Christian disciple joined the East and West to each 
other by a fraternal bond of affection, which time 
cannot corrode but which will abide until empires 
crumble into dust and are forgotten, it would be young 
a thousand years hence. 

Watts, in his silent reverie at his mother's ingle- 
side, discovered the mysterious power of steam and 
its benefits to man are beyond the computation of 
mathematicians. 

Newton studied nature until in an unguarded mo- 
ment she allowed him to catch a glance at the secret 
of gravitation, and then dropped the curtain to her 
mysteries forever. 

The immortal Warren upon Bunker's awful Mount 
sealed with his blood those principles which our So- 
ciety inculcated and he professed. 

The patriotism of Washington yet fills every heart 
and dwells on every tongue; these men have gone 
down cloudless in the west, ripe in years and full of 

32 



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virtue, but what can we say for the object of our 
sketch, who with a silken cord, more potent than bands 
of steel or hammered gold, drew from the clouds the 
mystery of electricity and adapted it to the use of his 
fellows? 

What I may say is limited to a fraction of an hour, 
while my subject has lived in distinguished memory 
for two hundred years, since it was just this number 
of years ago in Boston, then a small village, when one 
of the greatest of Americans, Benjamin Franklin, 
first saw the light of day. 

His father, Josiah Franklin, came from Ecton, in 
Northamptonshire, England, where the family lived 
for at least three hundred years and probably many 
more. They were a hardy race. Several of them had 
been blacksmiths and Franklin's grandfather fol- 
lowed his trade. 

Benjamin was the only distinguished member of a 

family of fifteen; the rest had no ambition, and i 

of them rose above mediocrity. Franklin's mother 
was his father's second wife. His parents originally 
intended him for a clergyman but fate had willed 
otherwise; Benjamin never could remember when he 
learned to read and write, and from eight to ten he 
attended the Boston Grammar School— but at this 
tender age he was taken to work with his father who 
was a tallow-chandler and soap boiler. When thirteen, 
lie was apprenticed to his brother James, a printer 
and book-seller; soon learning all there was to know 

33 



1706— £be ffranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

at that time about the art of printing, he commenced 
to write himself. 

His first performances were ballads "The Light- 
house Tragedy" and "Blackbeard, the Pirate." He 
afterwards became editor and publisher of his 
brother's paper "The New England Courant," but 
at seventeen he ran away because of ill-treatment 
from his brother; and, not finding work in New York, 
he came to Philadelphia with a loaf of bread under 
each arm and one in his mouth, and found work as a 
journeyman printer. 

His services to this First City of our Common- 
wealth must not be forgotten. Largely through his 
efforts the Philadelphia Library was started in 1731. 
He organized the Union Fire Company in 1736, which 
was the City's first Fire Department. 1744 saw the 
establishment of the Philosophical Society, the oldest 
of the kind in the country which sprung from a small 
club that Feanklin had gotten up. In 1749 he raised 
$2,000 by subscription for the establishment of an 
academy. From this academy and charitable school 
came the University of Pennsylvania. 

The association of his name with these enterprises 
should not be understood, however, as meaning that 
they were built on his money, either wholly or mainly. 
He never had enough money for that. They were 
founded on his wise plans, on his generous expendi- 
ture of time, trouble and thought. These things were 
done amidst the engrossing demands of a growing 

34 



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business by a man who made the public business a 
part of his business, and refused to allow his own 
personal interests to command all his time. 

When the University of Pennsylvania proudly de- 
scribes itself to-day as "founded by Benjamin Frank- 
lin" the word "founded" means not cash but char- 
acter. 

Unlike many distinguished men, Franklin was not 
a man of letters but a man of affairs. His ambition 
in life was to be a doer rather than a writer, yet he 
was one of America's representative writers. He 
was a printer, publisher, journalist, merchant, phi- 
lanthropist, promoter, statesman, diplomat, inventor, 
scientist, author, jack and master of all trades. He 
was the prototype of the successful, self-made Amer- 
ican. 

Though many-sided he was not myriad-minded. 
His dominant mental trait was common sense, which 
is nothing but ability to see the connection between 
the cause and the effect in the affairs of everyday 
life, and to act accordingly. 

His eye was always on facts and his mind was 
always inquiring for causes. It is fortunate for 
Franklin that the second centenary of his birth falls 
as it does, for we are realizing, year by year, the 
supreme importance of the things he stood for, the 
supreme importance to a country whose future is 
to be won through the arts of peace and not of war, 
of his type of citizenship. 

35 



1706— £be jTranUIin BUcentenar?— 1906 

We have suffered from the military ideal of citizen- 
ship, for it made and makes the citizenship of peace 
seem dull, tame and not worth while. The country 
has never lacked men who would die for it. Such 
danger as it is in to-day lies in its lack of men 
willing to do something for it while they are alive 
with their skins not in danger. The newspapers and 
magazines are full of the crooked doings of men, who 
are to-day undermining the foundations of a govern- 
ment for which in times of war they would carry 
a gun. 

Our supreme problem in these days, when so much 
is being said of corruption in office and the corrupting 
influence of business men on public life, is how shall 
we make the ideal of citizenship— plain, everyday 
citizensbip— seem something highly important and 
worth striving for. 

The lesson which we can learn from the career of 
Franklin is the tremendous permanent value of this 
type of citizenship. In point of time he was the first 
great American citizen. He was widely and favor- 
ably known and nearing the middle of bis career 
before Washington was in his teens. 

He was nearly seventy when the crisis of the Revo- 
lution came, and when as an old man, full of honor 
and years, feeble and afflicted with gout and rheuma- 
tism, he brought France to our aid at the critical day 
of our struggle for independence, and secured the 

30 



£be Celebration 



fund, which made the success of the Revolution pos- 
sible. 

We see him in his later life the idol of the French 
Court, pitted against the shrewdest diplomats of the 
old world to plead for the struggling American colo- 
nies and gaining his ends almost as much through 
social tact and charm as by the power of a well- 
trained mind. He did not lead men, he managed 
them. 

Franklin was born poor, had little school educa- 
tion, as I have stated, and began life with an insatiable 
desire to improve himself and his condition. Eco- 
nomy and frugality were his in a marked degree. 
No man ever lived who had a greater notion of the 
value of time. 

An anecdote illustrating this is told which we have 
no reason to regard as a jest: Franklin's father, like 
every good old-time New Englander, said Grace be- 
fore meals three times a day. One day when a barrel 
of pork was received at the house, young Benjamin 
earnestly entreated his parent to bless the meat in 
the barrel and thereby save the time spent on blessing 
at each meal the portion put on the table. 

Franklin cared a great deal about money; he was 
shrewd and long-headed in getting it; he believed in 
it and was forever writing about it and advising 
young tradesmen on "The Way to Wealth" and how 
to find it. 

37 



1700— Gbc jfranltftn Bi^ccntcnar?— 1000 



"Poor Richard's Almanac" is ;i materialist's <-;i t <■ 
chism, full of wise sayings on the saving of money 
and the tangible advantages <>t' industry. The quali- 
ties which Fbanklin possessed, the business shrewd 

ness ;iml foresight, the executive ability ami (lie com 

bination in him of industry, economy, and endless 
patience, would make him a multi-millionaire today. 
II made liim very well to do in his own time. Il<' 
left a fortune of over $150,01)1). 

It, should be borne in mind that it was while he 
was actively and laboriously engaged in a pursuit 
he loved, that of making money, that he found time 
perform those many acts of wise citizenship which 
form the substantia] foundation of his later career 

as a statesman. 

lie could do successful htisiness anil still find time 

\\>v public service. 

All his qualities were made valuable by his prac- 
tical sense, lie was interested in nothing unless ho 
saw in it some use; the result was that he found 
use in almost everything. It is no wonder that he 
is called the "many sided FRANKLIN." 

This practical nature makes Fbanklin a typical 
American; most of the larger figures of the Eigh 
teenth Century when we look hack to them now, seem 
a little remote in their way of thinking and acting. 
They carry the peculiar flavor of their period, but 
FRANKLIN, as we know him, might he a man of the 

38 



Cbc Celebration 



presenl day of any day in American history— but 
bow did Fbanklin make himself so effeeiive a man? 

How did he succeed where others failed? The 
secret lies in hie practical philosophy of life. Fortu 
nately he bequeathed thai 3ecre1 to as in the maxims 
which he composed for bis own guidance, during bis 
voyage bach to America from England when he was 
twenty-two years of age. 
Among these pithy phrases we find: 
"They that won't be counselled can'1 be helped." 
"One i" day is worth two to-morrows." 
"Buy what thou hast no need of and ere long thon 
shall sell thy neee ;n ies." 
"Early to bed, early to ri e, 

,\Ial:<-- a man, healthy, wealthy and wise." 

"Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half 
shut afterward." 

Worldly-wise these maxims, bul sound rules of con 

duet, and, while the object of our sketch wa - thu- 
worldly-wise, yet he employed his wisdom to serve not 
only himself but his friends his neighbors, and finally 
bis country; and with it all he was humble, and here 
his life teaehes us the lesson of helpfulness and un- 
selfishness. 

Fbankun had an abiding faith in the ultimate su- 
premacy ( ,f the right, an aversion to and a successful 
avoidance of all contention for personal ends. He 
commanded the respect of the best men of his genera 
tion which he uniformly inspired, and while from the 
3 :;'.) 



1706— £be jfranftlin Bicentenary— 1906 

nature of his employments an obvious target for 
malevolence and detraction, his word was never im- 
peached nor his good faith and fairness even toward 
his own or his country's enemies successfully ques- 
tioned. 

These are characteristics by which the Christian is 
known and a time religious life made manifest to man. 
It is possible that Franklin never dwelt upon any of 
the higher planes of spiritual life, and yet who shall 
say he did not? And if not, where did he get the 
secret of that supernatural wisdom which always led 
him to seek the good of each to the advantage of 
all"? 

What gave him in such extraordinary measure the 
confidence of men and of nations ? Whence the mys- 
terious vigor, which crowned with uniform success 
all the great enterprises of his long life and made 
him on the whole, one of the most useful and illus- 
trious of men? 

He may not have studied the sectarian divisions of 
the Christian Church, or known the difference be- 
tween an Episcopalian and a Roman Catholic, yet 
higher than all this there was in him a noble benignity 
and sincere interest in others, true devotion to the 
happiness and prosperity of his fellow men which 
gave a glow of genial warmth to his cool and calcu- 
lating mind, enabling him after all to exhibit the being 
and love of God, the work and gospel of Christ with 

40 



Gbc Celebration 



results far more reaching than many who profess and 
call themselves Christians. 

After Franklin 's death, an epitaph, written by him- 
self when twenty-three years of age, was found among 
his papers. Though it was not chiseled upon his 
tomb, we may quote it here: 

THE BODY OF 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 

PRINTER, 

LIKE THE COVER OF AN OLD BOOK, 

ITS CONTENTS TORN OUT, 

AND STRIPPED OF ITS LETTERING AND GILDING, 

LIES HERE, FOOD FOR WORMS. 

BUT THE WORK SHALL NOT BE WHOLLY LOST; 

FOR IT WILL, AS HE BELIEVED, APPEAR ONCE MORE, 

IN A NEW AND MORE PERFECT EDITION, 

CORRECTED AND AMENDED 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



The Chorus sang the following anthem, by 
Schnecker : 

ANTHEM 

Our land, Lord ! with songs of praise 
Shall in Thy strength rejoice, 

41 



1706— ^bc jfranMin Bicentenary— 1906 

And blest with Thy salvation raise 
To Heaven a cheerful voice. 

Thy sure defence through nations round, 
Hath spread our country's name, 

And all her humble efforts crowned 
With freedom and with fame. 

In deep distress a patriot band 

Implored Thy power to save, 
For liberty they prayed ; 

Thy Hand the timely blessing gave. 

On Thee, in want, in woe or pain, 

Our hearts alone rely. 
Our rights Thy mercy will maintain, 

And all our wants supply. 

Thus, Lord, Thy wondrous power declare 

And still exalt Thy fame ; 
While we glad songs of praise prepare 

For Thine almighty Name. — Amen. 

Brother Edgar F. Smith, Past Master of Univer- 
sity Lodge, No. 610, addressed the Grand Lodge: 

FRANKLIN AND THE UNIVERSITY OF 
PENNSYLVANIA 

The greatest republic to-day, our beloved United 
States of America, can point with pride to no less 
than five hundred degree-granting institutions of 

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learning— our colleges and universities— in which are 
gathered the flower of young American manhood and 
womanhood pursuing almost every possible line of 
study and research known to man. 

The contributions to letters and science, emanating 
from these academic halls, command the respect and 
admiration of the entire intellectual world. And to 
these halls come now the sons of European and far 
distant eastern countries. 

How different all this from the days in which lived 
the one in whose memory we are here met ! 

Often have I thought what must have been the 
thoughts of that youth of seventeen years, when, 
upon an October Sunday, in 1723, he landed at 
Market Street wharf, with only a Dutch dollar in his 
pocket, and strolling up the street, with a roll under 
each arm, while eating the third, finally reached a 
Quaker meeting-house which he entered, and, because 
of the extreme peace and quiet prevailing there, and 
his own great fatigue, he fell asleep. In his own 
language, "This was the first house I was in or slept 
in, in Philadelphia." Surely, it never entered the 
mind of that youth that in later years he— of all 
Americans— was alone to have the responsibility and 
honor of signing the four great documents which 
secured to the American Colonies independence and 
universal recognition from all sovereignties, nor could 
he have dreamt that it was his hand which should 

43 



1706— Zbc franklin Bicentenary— 1906 

snatch the lightning from the sky, and chain the 
subtile fluid; that in later years he was to be spoken 
of as the venerable sage of Pennsylvania, the patriot 
and the patriarch of America; or that he would issue 
a proposal for the higher education of the youth of 
his adopted city and Province, thereby, "laying the 
first stone of an Institution which was destined to 
outgrow, in usefulness and influence, any other of the 
creations of his fertile brain." 

The little College, located at the northwest corner 
of Fourth and Arch streets— the infant University 
of Pennsylvania— was, indeed, the child of Franklin. 
Not a collegian himself, but honored by Harvard, 
Yale, William and Mary, St. Andrews and Oxford, 
he was the creator of a university— the third oldest 
in the land, and at present excelled by none. In its 
early years the University nourished sons who "rocked 
the cradle of the infant empire," and in the long 
campaigns of the Chieftain Washington— an adopted 
son of the University— it was represented in every 
rank of military life. 

In its halls, the physical sciences and letters 
flourished as they did nowhere else in this Western 
World. That little College gave to this country its 
first medical school and its first law school. Its cur- 
riculum was that which was adopted by all other 
seminaries of learning. To-day, in its third home on 
the western banks of the Schuylkill on a campus 

44 



£be Celebration 



covering more than sixty acres, rise spire and dome 
of College, Dormitory, Library and Laboratory, fre- 
quented by students from every quarter of the globe, 
busy in the pursuit of all forms of learning and in- 
vestigations. Its present equipment and facilities 
stand unsurpassed. Its graduates number 24,000! 
In the broad, tolerant spirit of its great Founder, the 
University of Pennsylvania proceeds upon its onward 
and upward march, never, for a moment, losing sight 
of the unique life of the great scientist, statesman 
and philosopher, who, until the last hour of that 
life— prolonged far beyond the wonted term— served 
humanity. This spirit the child observes in all its 
efforts. 

And we, as Masons, should be most deeply in- 
terested in the University of Pennsylvania, for not 
only did its Founder, the immortal Franklin, serve 
twice as Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania, but, of the four and twenty men asso- 
ciated with him in rearing this ancient seat of learn- 
ing, six, as least— one-fourth of their total number, 
were Past Grand Masters of Pennsylvania. They 
were Benjamin Franklin, William Allen, Thomas 
Hopkinson, Philip Syng, William Plumstead and 
Jonathan Bayard Smith. 

Further, when the time arrived to induct into the 
high and honorable office of Provost of the University, 
one whose training and learning were of such high 

45 



1700— £bc jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1900 

order as to justify his selection, it was William 
Smith, made a Mason in Scotland, whom Franklin 
invited to assume this honor, with all its attendant 
responsibilities. 

William Smith, acknowledged throughout the Colo- 
nies for a period of forty years as the orator par 
excellence, served this Grand Lodge for many years 
as its Grand Secretary, prepared its Ahiman Eezon, 
and on sundry occasions preached to the Craft gath- 
ered in this City. One such notable occasion was St. 
John the Evangelist's Day in 1783, when three hun- 
dred of the body, having assembled at the College and 
being properly clothed, the procession moved, with his 
Excellency, our illustrious Brother, George Wash- 
ington, Esq., escorted by the Grand Master and his 
Deputy, and entered Christ Church, where our 
Brother, Provost Smith, delivered that memorable 
sermon from the text, "As free and not using your 
liberty as a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants 
of God." A faithful, helpful, loving address in which, 
among others, occur these words: "In all your meet- 
ings and communications, remember that you are 
Brethren; although free, yet on the level; bound to 
keep within the compass of mutual good-will, and to 
frame your conduct by the square of doing as you 
would be done by. Keep an open heart to every suf- 
fering Brother, ready to receive him as a tempest- 
driven voyager into a port of safety, seeking among 

40 



Cbe Celebration 



you that relief and shelter which he sought in vain 
while tossed upon the restless ocean of common life." 

On December 20, 1779, after some years' interrup- 
tion, Provost Smith opened the first Communication 
of this Grand Lodge in Philadelphia with a prayer 
ending in these words : " So mote it be for the sake 
of Christ our Saviour." A remarkable ending! 
Sanctioned once by the Grand Lodge for use in open- 
ing a Lodge, or dedicating a new Lodge, but it has 
strangely disappeared from the Ahiman Rezon. It 
is absent from the modernized prayer. 

Provost Smith, let me add, not only served this 
Grand Masonic Jurisdiction long, well and faithfully, 
but also gave to it a Past Grand Master in the 
person of his eldest son, William Moore Smith; and 
to our sister Jurisdiction of Wisconsin, a Past Grand 
Master in the person of his grandson, William 
Rudolph Smith. 

This was not his only bequest to our common 
Masonic Jurisdiction, for out of his College— the in- 
fant University of Pennsylvania— the child of Frank- 
lin, came these Past Grand Masters of Freemasons in 
Pennsylvania : William Moore Smith, James Milnor, 
Bayse Newcomb, Thomas Kittera, John Steele, 
John M. Read, James Hutchinson, E. Coppee 
Mitchell. I doubt whether any other institution of 
learning in this land has made such a contribution 
to the Masonic Fraternity in any single Jurisdiction 

47 



1706— Gbe jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

as this of the University of Pennsylvania — six of its 
founders and eight of its graduates, fourteen in all — 
Past Grand Masters! or one-fifth of all the Grand 
Masters in Pennsylvania ! 

Most grateful, therefore, should we be to our 
present Right Worshipful Grand Master, Brother 
Geokge W. Kendrick, Jr., in that, following the 
happy thought which came to him some ten years ago, 
he organized a new Lodge and gave it the name 
University, thereby, honoring, not only Franklin and 
his great creation, but also indicating the loyalty 
existing between the great Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, the now world-renowned University— edu- 
cational pinnacle of the State— and the Fraternity of 
fraternities! State, School, Masonry! A noble trin- 
ity! which, let us pray, may continue till time shall 
be no more. 

The Chorus sang the following anthem, by Vinton: 

ANTHEM 

Hail! Mysterious, Glorious Science 
Which to discord bids defiance, 
Harmony alone reigns here; 
Come, let's sing to Him that rais'd us 
Prom the rugged path that maz*d us 
To the light we revere. 



48 



Zbc Celebration 



Brother Julius F. Sachse, Past Master of Colum- 
bia Lodge, No. 91, addressed the Grand Lodge: 

FRANKLIN AS A FREEMASON 

To write the history of Franklin as a Freemason is 
virtually to chronicle the early Masonic history of 
America. The published records of the Craft in his 
newspaper supplant the early minutes, long since lost 
or destroyed. His connection with St. John's Lodge 
gives us an insight into the financial affairs of early 
Freemasonry, as found upon the yellowing pages of 
"Liber B." His services as Grand Master and later 
as Provincial Grand Master are all so closely inter- 
woven with the early Masonic history of this Jurisdic- 
tion, that it would be impossible to compile one without 
the other. 

A great difficulty, however, here confronts us, not- 
withstanding the prominence of Franklin in Pennsyl- 
vania Freemasonry; strange as it appears, he does not 
mention a word of his Masonic connections or career in 
his Autobiography, or in any of his correspondence, 
with but two exceptions, so far as known. This omis- 
sion is the more remarkable when we look at his 
Masonic career while in France during the later years 
of his life. There, his activity and intimacy with the 
Brethren was intimate and close, both personal and 
official, Franklin taking an active part in their pro- 
ceedings, even advancing to the so-called higher de- 
grees. Franklin carefully retained all of his French 

49 



1706— £be Jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

Lodge notices and correspondence, while of his Amer- 
ican and English career not a scrap can be found, 
except what is noted upon these pages. 

This paper is presented as a contribution to the 
Masonic celebration of the Bi-eentenary of Brother 
Franklin's birth by the R. W. Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania at the Quarterly Communication held 
at Philadelphia, March 7, 1906. Before proceeding 
further, the writer wishes to say that every effort 
has been made to make this paper exhaustive, and 
that all statements set forth therein, so far as possible, 
have been verified by documentary evidence. 

The Masonic career of Benjamin Franklin extends 
over a period of almost sixty years, during which time 
he was accorded the highest Masonic honors at home 
and abroad. 

1705-6, January 6, O. S., born at Boston, Massachu- 
setts. (N. S. January 17, 1706.) 
1730-1, February, initiated in St. John's Lodge, Phila- 
delphia. 1 
1732, June, drafted a set of By-Laws for St. John's 

Lodge. 2 
1732, June 24, elected Junior Grand Warden. 3 
1734, June 24, elected Grand Master of Pennsyl- 
vania. 4 

1 " Liber B " in Collection of The Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania. See "An Account of St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia, 
and its ' Liber B,' " p. post. 

' Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1SS5, pp. 
37-39. 

1 Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 1S7, June 26, 1732. 
" No. 290, June 27, 1734. 
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1734, August, advertised his "Mason Book," a re- 
print of Anderson's "Constitutions of the 
Free-Masons," the first Masonic Book 
printed in America. 5 

1734-5, the State House (Independence Hall) built 
during Franklin's administration as Grand 
Master. According to the old Masonic and 
family traditions, the corner stone was laid 
by him and the Brethren of St. John's 
Lodge. 6 

1735-8, served as Secretary of St. John's Lodge. 7 

1738, April 13, Franklin, in a letter to his mother, 
wrote: "Freemasons have no principles or 
practices that are inconsistent with religion 
and good manners." 8 

1743, May 25, visited First (St. John's) Lodge, 
Boston. 9 

1749, June 10, appointed Provincial Grand Master 
by Thomas Oxnard, of Boston. 10 

1749, August 29, Tun Tavern Lodge petitioned Pro- 
vincial Grand Master Franklin for a 
"Deputation under his sanction." 11 

5 Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 284, May 9 to May 16, 1734. 

Copy of the book is in Historical Society of Pennsylvania and in 
Masonic Temple Library, Philadelphia. 

° Votes of the Assembly; Etting's "History of Independence 
Hall"; also date on water spouts of the Hall. 

7 " Liber B," 1731-1738. 

8 Original draft in Franklin's handwriting in his Common-place 
Book in Collection of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 

' Records of First Lodge (St. John's), Boston. Mass., Proceedings 
of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1733-1792, p. 390. 

10 Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 1SS2, p. 157. 
" MS. Minutes of the Tun Tavern Lodge. 

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1706— Ebe Jfranfclm Bicentenary— 1906 

1750, March 13, deposed as Provincial Grand Master 
and immediately appointed Deputy Grand 
Master by William Allen, Provincial 
Grand Master. 12 

1752, March 12, appointed on Committee for build- 
ing "the Freemason's Lodge," in Phila- 
delphia. 13 

1752, October 25, visited the Tun Tavern Lodge. 14 

1754, October 11, present at Quarterly Communica- 

tion of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, held 
in Concert Hall, Boston. 15 

1755, June 21, took a prominent part in the Grand 

Anniversary and Dedication of the "Free- 
mason's Lodge" in Philadelphia, the first 
Masonic building in America. 16 
1760, Provincial Grand Master of Philadelphia. 17 
1760, November 17, present at Grand Lodge of 
England, held at Crown & Anchor, London. 
Entered upon the minutes as "Provincial 
Grand Master." 18 
1762, addressed as Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 19 

a Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1SS2, p. 157. 

13 Original MS. in Masonic Temple Library, Philadelphia. 

" MS. Minutes of the Tun Tavern Lodge. 

13 Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1733-1792, p. 
34, and 1871, p. 361. 

18 Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 1384, July 3, 1755; also "A Sermon 
preached in Christ Church," Philadelphia, 1755, in Collection of 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 

" Noorthouck's " Constitutions," p. 27G — edition of 1784, London. 

™ Minute Book of Grand Lodge of England. 

ia Letters to Franklin from Bro. Valentz in Collection of Ameri- 
can Philosophical Society. 

52 



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1776, affiliated with Masonic Lodges in France. 20 

1777, elected member of Loge des IX Soeurs (Nine 

Sisters or Muses). 

1778, February 7, assisted at the initiation of Vol- 

taire in the Lodge of the Nine Sisters. 21 

1778, November 28, officiated at the "Lodge of Sor : 
row" or Masonic funeral services of Vol- 
taire. 22 

1782, elected Venerable (W. M.) of Loge des IX 
Soeurs, Grand Orient de Paris. 23 

1782, July 7, member E.'. L.'. De Saint Jean de 
Jerusalem. 24 

1785, April 24, elected Venerable d'Honneur of R.\ 
L.'. De Saint Jean de Jerusalem. 25 

1785, elected honorary member of Loge des Bone 

Amis (Good Friends), Eouen, France. 26 

1786, December 27, in the dedication of a sermon 

delivered at the request of the R. W. Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, by Rev. Joseph 
Pilmore in St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, 
Franklin is referred to as "an illustrious 
Brother whose distinguished merit among 

10 Documents in Collection of American Philosophical Society. 

21 Kloss' " History of Freemasonry in France." 

22 MS. in Collection of American Philosophical Society. See also 
Medal struck in honor of the occasion, in Masonic Temple Library, 
Philadelphia. 

23 Documents in Collection of American Philosophical Society. 
21 Ibid. 

25 Ibid. 

" Documents in Collection of University of Pennsylvania. 

53 



1700— Gbe jfranfclin 38i*ccntcnarv>— 1900 

Masons entitles him to their highest venera- 
tion." 27 

1790, April 17, Benjamin Fkanklin passed to the 
Grand Lodge above. 

1906, April 19, memorial services at his grave in 
Christ Church yard, S. E. corner Fifth and 
Arch Sts., Philadelphia, by the officers of the 
R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the oc- 
casion being the two hundredth anniversary 
of the Birth of Brother Benjamin Fkanklin. 

Benjamin Franklin, as a young man of 24 years, 
months before he had ever passed the tiled portals 
of any Masonic Lodge, unwittingly rendered a service 
to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Pennsyl- 
vania Freemasons in general, greater in fact than any 
other person connected with our history. Reference 
is here made to the now well known opening para- 
graph of his notice of Freemasonry "published in his 
newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 108, for 
December 5 to December 8, 1730, in which he tells us 
"That there are several Lodges of Free-masons 
erected in this province." 

A\ fare <"* fiveral Lodges cf FR E E- M A SO NScrtO- 
e^trrthit Province, end People kaue lately keen mt^b amxsd 
tyitb ConjeHtrres concerning them ; we think the foltp&ing Ac- 
Gtmt of.bjtc-Mafoaiy from Londoo, <u/ULnci &c i&accep- 
■tgblt » out AtaJers 

Fac-simile from the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 108, December 3 
to December S, 1730. 

M Copy of the book is in Collection of Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania ami in Masonic Temple Library, Philadelphia. 

54 



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The subject of Freemasonry had evidently inter- 
ested Franklin long before this time. While in 
London, 1725-6, the young printer had undoubtedly 
learned something about the Craft, the membership 
of which was then almost exclusively confined to the 
nobility and gentry, and which was attracting more 
or less attention in the public prints. The knowledge 
thus obtained, whether orally or from the publications 
of the day, limited and vague thought it must have 
been, appears to have quickened the ambitious philo- 
sophic brain of the young printer upon the subject 
of Freemasonry, and whetted his desire to be num- 
bered amongst the elect; an ambition not to be 
realized under existing conditions, as he was then still 
under the lawful Masonic age and a journeyman 
printer, a virtual stranger in the community, and, as 
a mere soap-boiler's son, lacking both social and finan- 
cial standing. 

This applies to him during his sojourn in London, 
as well as in Philadelphia at this period. 

Upon his return to Philadelphia, this desire became 
even stronger when he learned that a Lodge had 
either been set up here, or was contemplated by the 
resident Brethren. And as he evidently failed to be 
taken into the desired company for reasons just given, 
Franklin organized a secret society of his own. This 
was in 1727, but a few months after his return to 
Penn's Sylvan City on the Delaware, and was pat- 
terned somewhat, as it were, on lines that Franklin 

4 55 



1706— £be jfranfcltn Bicentenary— 1906 

conceived were synonyinieal to those of Freemasonry. 
This movement was evidently intended to either rival 
or forestall the Masonic Brethren in the Province. 
This society he called the "Leather Apron Club," 28 
a name in itself suggestive of our Fraternity. What 
little is known of Franklin's "Leather Apron Club" 
is gleaned from the Logan-Penn Correspondence; in 
a letter dated 1728, James Logan intimates that this 
club partook somewhat of a political nature. Logan 
there speaks of the members as being the tools of Sir 
William Keith's "baseness and falsehood," saying, 
"They are to send thee a petition calling themselves 
the Leathern Apron Men, and they solicit favorable 
sentiments towards their master, Sir William Keith, 
who has raised deep contentions here." 29 

After the name of the Club was changed in 1731, 
as will appear further on, the character of the Club 
was also revised, so as to become a purely literary 
one. 

It is well to say here that Franklin's "Leather 
Apron Club" should not be confounded with an or- 
ganization of similar name, formed in Philadelphia a 
few years later, whose membership consisted exclu- 
sively of tradesmen, who had their regular tavern 
meetings; assuming the name of Feanklin's old 
"Leather Apron Club," they met chiefly to discuss 
measures before election, etc., to counteract the 
aristocracy of the gentlemen. 

28 Watson's " Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania," edition 
of 1850, Vol. II, p 495. 

*° See letter in Collection of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 

56 



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Watson, in his manuscript annals in commenting 
upon this Club, says: "The distance between the two 
ranks were formerly greater than now." 30 

September 25, 1728, Franklin formed a partner- 
ship with Hugh Meredith, and became a master 
printer and publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette. 
That his interest in our ancient Craft did not wane 
in the meantime is shown by the fact that any notice 
of the Craft printed in the London journals, and 
coming to his notice was at once clipped and re- 
ligiously re-printed in his journal. Thus we find no 
less than three items of Masonic news, all relating to 
English Lodges, between July 2 and August 13, 
1730, viz.: 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 86, July 2 to July 9, 
1730. Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin and H. Mere- 
dith.) 

London, April 22. On Tuesday last (April 21, 1730) there 
was a quarterly Communication of the Antient Society of 
Free and Accepted Masons, held at the Devil Tavern within 
Temple Bar, where were present the most Noble, His Grace 
the Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master with his Grand Officers, 
the most Noble, his Grace the Duke of Richmond, the Right 
Hon. The Earl of Inchiquin, the Lord Kingston, the Lord 
Colerain, and many other Persons of Worth and Quality; 
when several Resolutions were taken for the effectual Distribu- 
tion of General Charity to distressed Brethren; and several 
large Sums were brought in and ordered to be distributed 
accordingly. 

30 Watson's Manuscript Annals, Dreer Collection, p. 776. 

57 



1706— £be jfranfelin Bicentenary— 1906 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 91, Aug. 6 to Aug. 
13, 1730.) 

London, May 16. . . . We hear that on Tuesday night last, 
at a Lodge held at the Horn Tavern in Westminster, when 
the Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master, Nathaniel Blackerby, 
Esq., Deputy Grand Master, and other Grand Officers, as also 
the Duke of Richmond, Master of the Lodge; Marquis of 
Beaumont, Lord Mordaunt, Marquis de Quesne, and several 
other Persons of Distinction were present; the following 
foreign Noblemen: Francois Louis de Gouffieri, Charles Louis, 
President de Montesquier; Francis, Comte de Sade; as also 
John Campfield, Esq. ; William Cowper, of Golden Square, 
Esq. ; and Capt. John Mercer, were admitted Members of the 
Antient and honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons. 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 92, Aug. 13 to Aug. 
20, 1730.) 

London, June 11. On Monday last the celebrated Mr. 
Orator Henley was admitted a Free and Accepted Mason at 
the Prince William Lodge, Charing-Cross, several Noblemen 
and Persons of Distinction being present at the Ceremony. 

The above three news items all antedate the earliest 
Masonic reference heretofore found in any American 
newspaper. 

During this time, Freemasonry had taken a firm 
root in the Province, and, according to Franklin's 
published account, several Lodges had been erected by 
resident Brethren and prominent citizens, supposedly 
under a deputation granted by the Grand Lodge of 
England to Daniel, Coxe, of New Jersey, as Provincial 
Grand Master of New York, New Jersey and Penn- 
sylvania. 

58 



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The ambitious mind of Franklin must naturally 
have chafed, that thus far he had not succeeded in 
being admitted as a Brother within the tyled portals 
of the Craft, an ambition then slow of realization, as 
it was an honor beyond the aspiration of almost any 
young mechanic to receive any kind of recognition in 
the infant commimity, much less be admitted to an 
equal footing with his social superiors, even though 
not a comparative stranger like Franklin. 

Yet Franklin, bold and fearless as he was, began 
his editorial career on the Pennsylvania Gazette by 
freely commenting upon the conduct of influential 
persons in Philadelphia, 31 and, chafing under the exist- 
ing conditions between him and the Brethren, what- 
ever they may have been, as a final card, printed his 
"Account of Freemasonry from London." 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 108, Dec. 3 to Dec. 8, 

1730.) 32 

As there are several Lodges of Free-Masons erected in this 
Province [Pennsylvania], and people have lately been much 
amused with conjectures concerning them, we think the fol- 
lowing account of Free-masonry from London will not be 
unacceptable to our readers. 

Franklin's feelings upon this subject are best re- 
vealed to us in his terse introductory note, wherein 
he writes: "Their Grand Secret is, That they have no 

31 Watson's " Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania," edition 
of 1850, Vol. I, p. 532. 
" Facsimile in Masonic Temple Library, Philadelphia. 

69 



1706— £bc jframutn Bicentenary— 1906 

Secret at all; and when once a man is entered, he 
finds himself obliged, se defendendo, to carry on the 
Jest with as solemn a Face as the rest. We shall not 
use many Words to persuade the Publiek that the 
following Piece is genuine; it carries all the Marks of 
Truth in itself; we would only refer the Reader to 
the Conduct of the Brotherhood upon this occasion; 

LQNDOp, Jugufiit. 

BY fi»e Death of * Gentleman who was one of the 
liatherhood of FREE-MASONS, there 
has lately happca'd a Dtfcovcry of abundance, of 
thtfu ftcrct Sign* and Wonders, with tbo myftc- 
ffoiu Manner of their Admrffion into that Pra» 
Wmiry. The following is a true Copy of a Manufcript 
which the Deccafed had written for the Benefit of his own 
private Remembrance, and which was found conceal da- 
ncuur his chokeft Papers in the mod hidden part of his Ca- 
Unec. The World has long admir'd, that in filch a nume- 
Wo« Company, many of them not remarkable for Tacitur-. 
BttV) thereto been no one found, that in his Cups <* in 
any other arCttmftaoee, would difcover their Myitcric* : 



* * * * 

We Dull not ule many Words 
to perfuade the Publiek that the following Piece is genuine; 
ft curries all the Marks of Truth in itfelf; We would only 
tekt the Reader to the Condufl of the Brotherhood upon 
this Occafion ; if they ridicule it, or look very grate upon it, 
ox if thoy arc ury <mgyva.c\ endeavour to decry ir, he may 
bo Satisfied it is the rtajfrufb. 

Fac-simile from the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 108, December 3 
to December 8, 1730. 

If they ridicule it, or look very grave upon it, or if 
they are very angry and endeavor to decry it, he may 

be satisfied it is the real Truth." 

«o 



-*!-«! 



??r&gF&zffiEWK& 




rr "s 









met?-//- 



iee,$o+te£> — r 



,'.'.-. • 



it 






y 

1 






'£*&' — - - 



ST" ,IH. 

,£*;- 7" 

1 ,wT 4" 













^W^^C*---- 






^4d> 



- 




r^-/ / iV 1'-. — 



PART OF FRANKLINS ACCOUNT WITH ST. JOHN'S LODGE, PH,LADELPH,A 
FOLIO io OF "LIBER B" 



Cbc Celebration 



That this publication raised some commotion 
amongst the Brethren goes without saying, but they 
do not appear either to have ridiculed, looked grave 
upon it, or gotten angry and tried to decry it. The 
publication, however, served the young printer's 
purpose. 

Franklin's brains and shrewdness had broken 
down the social barrier, and early in the following 
year, 1731, now having arrived at a lawful Masonic 
age, we find the young printer Entered, Passed and 
Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in 
St. John's Lodge, held at the Sun Tavern in Water 
Street, Philadelphia, the most important of all Ma- 
sonic lodges in America, both as to membership and 
the social standing of the Brethren. The cost of his 
entrance fee was three pounds sterling, two of which 
were not paid until the following St. John the Bap- 
tist's Day. 

The exact date of Franklin's initiation is not 
known, but it was before the legal year of 1730 ex- 
pired, evidently in February 1730-31. Shortly after 
he was brought to true Masonic light, he, as a 
partial reparation for the burlesque screed published 
in the previous December, and at the same time to set 
the Fraternity of which he was now a member in its 
proper light before the community, printed in his 
issue for May 6 to 13, 1731, "Some Information con- 
cerning the society called Free Masons." This was 
an extract from Chambers' Universal Dictionary of 

61 



1706— £be jfranftltn Bicentenary— 1906 

all Arts and Sciences, which Franklin obtained from 
Samuel Keimer's office. 

"To give the reader what information we can con- 
cerning the Society called Free Masons, we have 
inserted the following extract from Chambers' great 
Universal Dictionary of all Arts and Sciences, printed 
1728: 

"FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, a very ancient So- 
ciety of Men so called; either from some extraordinary Knowl- 
edge of Masonry or Building, which they are supposed to be 
Masters of, or because the first Pounders of that Society were 
Persons of that Profession. They are now very considerable, 
both for Numbers and Character; being found in every 
Country in Europe, and consisting principally of persons of 
Merit and Consideration. As to Antiquity, they claim to a 
standing of some Thousand Years; and it is said can trace 
up their Original as early as the building of Solomon's Tem- 
ple. What the end of their Institution is, seems still in some 
measure a Secret; tho' as much of it as is known appears 
truly good and laudable, as it tends to promote friendship, 
Society, mutual Assistance, and Good Fellowship. The 
Brethren of this Family are said to be possessed of a great 
Number of Secrets, which have been strictly observed from 
Age to Age. Be their other virtues what they will 'tis plain 
liny are Masters of one in a very great degree, viz, Secrecy." 

How fully Brother Franklin now entered into the 
spirit of Freemasonry, and from the very beginning 
became an active and useful Brother of the Craft, is 
shown by the following "observation" written by him, 
May 19, 1731, two weeks after he had been raised 
to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. 

62 



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"There seems to me at present to be great occa- 
sion for raising a united party for virtue, by forming 
the virtuous and good men of all nations into a 
regular body, to be governed by suitable good, and 
wise rules, which good and wise men may probably 
be more unanimous in their obedience to, than common 
people are to common Laws. I at present think, that 
whoever attempts this aright, and is well qualified, 
cannot fail of pleasing God, and for meeting with 
success. ' ' 

Upon page 27 of Franklin's Common-place Book or 
blotter, now in the Dreer Collection of the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania, will be found an original 
curious entry, partly written in cypher, which is evi- 
dently the draft of above "observation": 

R. B. T. A. 0. G. G2. 

tht vii I. hv 200 &/.. 

He may travel e wry where endeavoring to promote Knowl- 
edge and Virtue; by erecting I s promoting private Lib', es- 
tablishing a society of Virtuous Men in all parts, who shall 
have an universal correspondence, and write to support and 
encourage Virtue & Liberty & Knowledge by all Methods, 
mahe no If wrth z b mpld v s grt nd gd a Dsyn 

0. G. M. M. W. 

Then again the "Leather Apron Club" henceforth 
became known under a more refined name as the 
"Junto," its chief element, "secrecy" patterned after 
the Masonic Fraternity was, however, retained, other- 
wise it became literary in character, or as Franklin 

63 



I 







64 



£be Celebration 



himself wrote, "a club for Mental improvement." 
The eventual outcome of this Club, running side by 
side as it were with the Craft, was the formation of 
the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731 and the 
American Philosophical Society in 1743, in both of 
which Franklin was the leading spirit. It has been 
well said that "Thus early did this young man dis- 
play and exercise his rare leadership, and attract to 
his side men of thought and ideas; for one so young 
to secure the attention of men, mostly his seniors, 
to weekly meetings for the discussion of useful and 
informing topics, indicates as great an instance as 
any displayed by him in later years of his strong 
executive ability, and his wonderful powers of at- 
traction among all with whom he was associated in 
any enterprise." 33 

As a matter of fact, it was within the Masonic 
Lodge at Philadelphia, where Franklin had the first 
opportunity of learning parliamentary usage by actual 
practice or occupying any position of authority and 
government. Consequently, it is but fair to assume 
that here in St. John's Lodge, and subsequently in 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, was laid the 
foundation of Franklin's future greatness as a par- 
liamentarian and a prominent figure in all of the 
many and various organizations with which he be- 
came identified during his long and active public 

33 Thos. H. Montgomery in " History of the University of Penn- 
sylvania," Philadelphia, 1900, pp. 18-19. 

65 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 



career. Further, it is an indisputable fact that the 
offices conferred upon Franklin by the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania, of that early day, were the first 
public honors held by the great Printer-Statesman. 

The earliest documentary evidence we have thus 
far of Franklin's Masonic career is found upon the 
pages of an old account book of St. John's Lodge, in 
possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 
which is known as "Liber B," where upon pages 10 
and 45 we find the financial standing of Franklin 
with his Lodge from June 24th, 1731, to June 24th, 
1738, inclusive. This shows us that on St. John the 
Baptist's Day, June 24, 1731, Franklin paid £2.2.6d., 
being balance due on his initiation fee and dues 
to date. 



62 










Fac-simile of Inscription on Fly-leaf of Franklin 's Journal. 

The next important piece of documentary evidence 
is found in Franklin's business journal in possession 
of the American Philosophical Society, wherein under 

66 



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S 

? 



date of September 9, 1731, he makes the significant 
entry. 

"Blanks for Masons 0.5.0." 

Unfortunately Franklin published no account of 
the meeting held on St. John's Day, June 24, 1731. 
If the minute book of this old Lodge could be found, 



£L4**et ^-^ 






? 



'J 



_ /£*"" ^%ze*c£**ffif&*e/2j & w* 



1 4t*& ]r n C$ r *' (£' 



ft******* 



iocs 



i nm. . 



**ysfen*r. 



fO 



*3L» 



I 



7* <D 

7> <£ 



6* 






Fac-simile op Entries in Franklin's Journal. 

it would most probably show that Franklin was 
elected Junior Warden of the Lodge at that meeting. 
The custom then in vogue, as shown by the minute 

67 



1706— Zbe jfranfclin BUcentenar?— 1906 

book of the Tun Tavern Lodge 34 was for the elective 
officers to serve but six months in each station. This 
would have made Franklin Worshipful Master of St. 
John's Lodge, at the June meeting, which was the 
fifth day of the month. Upon the following St. John 
the Baptist's day, June 24, 1732, he was appointed 
Junior Grand Warden by R. W. Grand Master Wil- 
liam Allen, as appears from the item printed in the 
Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 187, June 19 to 26, 1732. 

The fact that so young a man as Franklin, then 
but 26 years old, was summoned to this exalted 
station, so soon after his reception among the Craft,— 
proves the interest he took in the Fraternity, and how 
it was appreciated by the Brethren at large. 

During the latter part of 1731, or early in 1732, a 
Committee was appointed by St. John's Lodge, "To 
consider of the present state of the Lodge and of the 
proper method to improve it." 

Benjamin Franklin acted as Secretary to the 
Committee, and when the report was brought, pre- 
sented and read before the Lodge, at its regular stated 
meeting, June 5, 1732, the paper was in Franklin's 
handwriting, and was signed by all of the Committee, 
and a majority of the members. 

This precious document, the oldest draft of By- 
Laws 35 of an American Masonic Lodge, is still in 

34 Photographic facsimile of this book is in Masonic Temple 
Library, Philadelphia. 

31 Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1855, pp. 37-39. 
These By-laws antedate the first By-laws of the First Lodge in 

68 



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existence, and it is expected that it will soon find its 
final resting place in the Masonic Library of what may 
be rightly called the "Mother City of Freemasonry 
in America." 

The report is as follows: 

Gentlemen of the Lodge 36 

The Committee you have been pleased to appoint to con- 
sider of the present State of the Lodge, and of the properest 
Methods to improve it, in obedience to your commands have 
met, and, after much and mature Deliberation, have come to 
the following Resolutions : — 

1. That since the excellent Science of Geometry and Archi- 
tecture is so much recommended in our ancient Constitutions, 
Masonry being first instituted with this Design, among others, 
to distinguish the true and skilful Architect from unskilful 

Boston just sixteen months, they having been adopted October 24, 
1733. Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1871, p. 374. 

36 The original manuscript was copied, verbatim et literatim, by 
Clifford P. MacCalla, on August 26, 1885, from the original docu- 
ment ( which was in the handwriting of Benjamin Franklin ) . It was 
then in the possession of George T. Ingham, Esq., of the New Jersey 
bar, residing at Atlantic City, N. J. Mr. Ingham was a descendant 
of David Hall, who for many years was the partner of Franklin in 
the printing and publishing business, and he possessed a number of 
the Franklin papers. " Liber B " of St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia, 
was presented by him to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 
where it now remains. The words of the fourth section, which was 
crossed out, were as follows: 

" 4. That since Love and Good Will are the best Cement of any 
Society, we endeavour to encrease it among ourselves by a kind 
and friendly conversation, so as to make us of ourselves desire 
to meet, but that all Compulsion, by fining any Person for not 
Meeting, be utterly taken away and abolished, Except only Persons 
in Office, and others when a Meeting is call'd upon Extraordinary 
Occasions." 

69 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

Pretenders; total Ignorance of this Art is very unbecoming 
a Man who bears the worthy Name and Character of Mason; 
We therefore conclude, that it is the Duty of every Member 
to make himself, in some Measure, acquainted therewith, as he 
would honor the Society he belongs to, and conform to the Con- 
stitutions. 

2. That every Member may have an Opportunity of so doing, 
the present Cash be laid out in the best Books of Architecture, 
suitable Mathematical Instruments, &c. 

3. That since the present whole Stock is not too large for 
that purpose, every Member indebted to the Lodge pay what 
is from him respectively due on Monday night, the nineteenth 
Instant, that so the whole being ready by the 24th of June, 
may be sent away by the first Opportunity. And that every 
one not paying that Night, be suspended till he do pay: For 
without Care be taken that Rules are punctually observed, no 
Society can be long upheld in good Order and Regularity. 

5. That the use of the Balls be established in its full Force 
and Vigour; and that no new Member be admitted against 
the will of any present Member; because certainly more Re- 
gard ought to be had in this way to a Brother who is already 
a Mason, than to any Person who is not one, and we should 
never in such cases disoblige a Brother, to oblige a Stranger. 

6. That any Member of this Lodge having a complaint 
against any other Member, shall first apply himself to the 
Wardens, who shall bring the Cause before the Lodge, where 
it shall be consider 'd and made up, if possible, before the 
Complainant be allow 'd to make that Complaint publick to 
the World: the Offender against this Rule to be expell'd. 

June 5, 1732. 

The Members whose Names are underwritten, being a Ma- 
jority, agree unanimously to the within Proposals of the Com- 

70 



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mittee (except the fourth, which is cross'd out) 36 and accord- 
ingly have hereunto set their hands. 

WILL. PRINGLE 
THOMAS BOUDE 
B. FRANKLIN 
XTOPHER THOMPSON 
THOS. HARTT 
DAVID PARRY 
JOHN EMERSON 
LAW" REYNOLDS 
JOHN HOBART 
HENRY PRATT 
SAM'L NICHOLAS. 

Two of the editorials printed by Franklin in his 
Pennsylvania Gazette are supposed to have been ori- 
ginally delivered by him before the Brethren of St. 
John's Lodge. A careful reading of the one pub- 
lished in Number 360, October 23 to 30, 1735, and a 
comparison with the first section of the By-Laws of 
1732, will show that the latter undoubtedly inspired 
the writing of this essay: 

ON THE USEFULNESS OF MATHEMATICS. 

Mathematics originally signifies any kind of discipline or 
learning, but now it is taken for that science which teaches 
or contemplates whatever is capable of being numbered or 
measured. That part of the mathematics which relates to 
numbers only is called arithmetic; and that which is con- 

38 See note, p. 69. 

5 V! 



1706— £be franklin Bicentenary— 1906 

cerned about measure in general, whether length, breadth, 
motion, force, etc., is called geometry. 

As to the usefullness of arithmetic, it is well known that 
no business, commerce, trade, or employment whatever, even 
from the merchant to the shop-keeper, &c, can be managed 
and carried on without the assistance of numbers, for by these 
the trader computes the value of all sorts of goods that he 
dealeth in, does his business with ease and certainty, and in- 
forms himself how matters stand at any time with respect to 
men, money or merchandise, to profit and loss, whether he 
goes forward or backward, grows richer or poorer. Neither 
is this science useful only to the merchant, but is reckoned the 
primum mobile (or first mover) of all mundane affairs in 
general, and is useful for all sorts and degrees of men, from 
the highest to the lowest. 

As to the usefullness of geometry, it is as certain that no 
curious art or mechanic work can either be invented, im- 
proved, or performed, without its assisting principles. 

It is owing to this that astronomers are put into the way 
of making their observations, coming at the knowledge of the 
extent of the heavens, the duration of time, the motions, mag- 
nitude, and distances of the heavenly bodies, their situations, 
positions, risings, settings, aspects and eclipses; also the meas- 
ure of seasons, of years, and of ages. 

It is by the assistance of that science that geographers pre- 
sent to our view at once the magnitude and form of the whole 
earth, the vast extent of the seas, the divisions of empires, 
kingdoms and provinces. 

It is by the help of geometry the ingenious mariner is in- 
structed how to guide a ship through the vast ocean, from 
one part of the earth to another, the nearest and safest way 

and in the shortest time. 

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By help of this science the architects take their just meas- 
ures for the structure of buildings, as private houses, churches, 
palaces, ships, fortifications, &c. 

By its help engineers conduct all their works, take the situ- 
ation and plans of towns, forts and castles, measure their 
distances from one another, and carry their measures into 
places that are only accessible to the eye. 

From hence also is deduced the admirable art of drawing 
sun-dials on any plane howsoever situate, and for any part of 
the world, to point out the exact time of the day, sun's decli- 
nation, altitude, amplitude, azimuth, and other astronomical 
matters. 

By geometry the surveyor is directed how to draw a map of 
any country, to divide his lands, and to lay down and plot 
any piece of ground, and thereby discover the area in acres, 
rods and perches; the gauger is instructed how to find the 
capacities or solid contents of all kinds of vessels, in barrels, 
gallons and bushels, &c; and the measurer is furnished with 
rules for finding the areas and contents of superficies and 
solids, and casting up all manner of workmanship. All these 
and many more useful arts too many to be enumerated here, 
wholly depend upon the aforesaid sciences — viz., arithmetic 
and geometry. 

This science is descended from the infancy of the world, the 
inventors of which were the first propagators of human kind 
as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and divers others. 

There has not been any science so highly esteemed and 
honored as this of the mathematics, nor with so much industry 
and vigilance become the care of great men, and labored in 
by the potentates of the world, viz — emperors, kings, princes, 
&c. 

Mathematical demonstrations are a logic of as much or more 

use than that commonly learned at schools, serving to a just 

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1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

formation of the mind, enlarging its capacity, and strength- 
ening it so as to render the same capable of exact reasoning, 
and discerning truth from falsehood in all occurrences, even 
subjects not mathematical. For which reason it is said, the 
Egyptians, Persians and Lacedaemonians seldom elected any 
new kings but such as had some knowledge of the mathematics, 
imagining those who had not, men of imperfect judgments 
and unfit to rule and govern. 

Though Plato's censure, that those who did not understand 
the 117th proposition of the 13th book of Euclid's Elements 
ought not to be ranked among rational creatures, was un- 
reasonable and unjust; yet to give a man the character of 
universal learning, who is destitute of a competent knowledge 
of the mathematics, is no less so. 

The usefullness of some particular parts of the mathematics 
in the common affairs of human life has rendered some knowl- 
edge of them very necessary to a great part of mankind, and 
very convenient to all the rest that are any way conversant 
beyond the limits of their own particular callings. 

Those whom necessity has obliges to get their bread by 
manual industry, where some degree of art is required to go 
along with it, and who have some insight into these studies, 
have very often found advantages from them sufficient to 
reward the pains they were at in acquiring them. And what- 
ever may have been imputed to some other studies, under the 
notion of insignificancy and loss of time, yet these, I believe, 
never caused repentance in any, except it was for their remiss- 
ness in the prosecution of them. 

Philosophers do generally affirm that human knowledge to 
be most excellent which is conversant amongst the most ex- 
cellent things. What science then can there be more noble, 
more excellent, more useful for men, more admirably high 
and demonstrative, than this of the mathematics? 

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I shall conclude with what Plato says in the seventh book 
of his Republic with regard to the excellence and usefullness 
of geometry, being to this purpose; 

' ' Dear friend ; you see then that mathematics are necessary, 
because by the exactness of the method we get a habit of using 
our minds to the best advantage. And it is remarkable that 
all men being capable by nature to reason and understand 
the sciences, the less acute, by studying this, though useless to 
them in every other respect, will gain this advantage — that 
their minds will be improved in reasoning aright ; for no study 
employs it more, nor makes it susceptible of attention so much ; 
and those who we find have a mind worth cultivating ought 
to apply themselves to this study." 

The writer will now touch upon a story learned 
more than half a century ago, while yet a lad in 
school, when the present Right Worshipful Grand 
Master and he were classmates. The story was then 
told him by an old Freemason, a friend of the family, 
who claimed as a child to have seen Fkanklin on 
several occasions, and who, in 1855, took part in the 
dedication of the New Masonic Hall on Chestnut 
Street. 

The import of the old Brother's story was that 
Benjamin Fkanklin as Grand Master had laid the 
corner-stone of the State House, better known as 
Independence Hall,— a building that was destined to 
become the very cradle of American liberty, one now 
so dear in the hearts of every American from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific, and henceforth, in view of 
present investigations, doubly so to every Freemason. 

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1706— £be jfranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

The story further went on to say that the Free- 
masons of that early day had not only bought the 
ground, designed the edifice, but had actually built it, 
after overcoming a series of annoyances from the 
non-Masonic member 36a of the committee appointed by 
the Assembly. 

In recalling this story in later years, the writer set 
about to verify it by documentary evidence, and was 
successful in all but a single item ; viz. : that of the 
laying of the corner-stone. 

From original documents still existing, it is shown 
that the proposals to build a State House began in 
1729. Subsequently the ground upon which Inde- 
pendence Hall now stands was purchased for the pur- 
pose by William Allen, Grand Master of Pennsyl- 
vania, who bought the lots in his own name and 
expended his own money therefor. 37 The accepted 
plans were drawn by Andrew Hamilton, 38 speaker of 
the Assembly, and who was the father-in-law of the 
Grand Master. The contracts for the building, how- 
ever, were not given out until March, 1732-3. Shortly 
afterward the ground was staked out by Brother 
Edmund Woolley, master carpenter, and work com- 
menced on the excavation. 

M * John Kearsley, builder of Christ Church, Philadelphia. 
" Seharff & Westeott's "History of Philadelphia," Vol. I, p. 206. 
18 1732, August 11, Andrew Hamilton exhibited plan of house and 
building as it now stands. 

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The year 1733 had well advanced when the founda- 
tions were begun 39 by Brother Thomas Redman, one 
of the early members of St. John's Lodge. 40 

On St. John the Baptist's Day of the following year 
(1734), Benjamin Franklin was installed Grand 
Master, and he appointed John Crapp 41 Deputy Grand 
Master; at the same time were chosen for Grand 
Wardens James Hamilton, son of the designer of the 
Hall and brother-in-law to Past Grand Master Wil- 
liam Allen, and Thomas Hopkinson. 

It was during Franklin's incumbency as Grand 
Master that the superstructure of the grand old 
building was raised. The brick mason was Brother 
Thomas Boude, the same who served as St. John's 
Lodge's first Secretary, and Senior Grand Warden 
of the Grand Lodge, when Franklin filled the posi- 
tion in the South, and who subsequently (1741) be- 
came the Deputy Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 

As to the laying of the corner-stone by Grand 
Master Franklin, or with Masonic ceremonies, the 
writer has not been able as yet to verify the old Free- 
mason's story by documentary evidence, though there 
can be but little doubt of its truth. 

" Hazard's " Register of Pennsylvania," Vol. II, p. 376. 

" Etting's " History of Independence Hall," Philadelphia, 1891, 
p. 14. 

" John Crapp was a son of the surgeon of the same name who 
came to Philadelphia during the earliest days of its settlement. 
Deputy Grand Master Crapp was a prominent citizen and builder. 
He died during his temi of office, September 10, 1734. 

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1706— £be tfranftlin 3Bi*centcnan>— 1906 

However, as a still further confirmation of the old 
Brother's tradition, I will say that there is preserved 
in the Bache family, who are direct descendants of 
Benjamin Franklin, a silver trowel engraved with a 
Masonic symbol, which trowel they have always sup- 
posed might have been used by Franklin as Grand 
Master upon this or similar occasions. 42 

Whether either of the hewn ashlars at the north- 
east or nothwest corners of old Independence Hall 
was laid and pronounced Plumb, Level and Square, 
and consecrated with Corn, Wine and Oil, by proper 
Masonic authority, or whether that act was quietly 
done without ceremony by Brothers Boude and Red- 
man in the line of their operative duties, must for the 
present remain an unsolved problem, at the same 
time harboring the hope, as so much has come to 
light of late, that at some future time further proof 
of the old Freemason's tradition may be found and 
substantiate the remaining part of the story. 

How well these early Brethren of St. John's Lodge 
above mentioned, skilled artisans as they were, faith- 
fully performed the labors assigned them is shown by 
the condition of their work after the lapse of almost 
two centuries: the foundation, stonework and walls as 
firm and plumb as the day when the last course was 
laid, with brick, stone and mortar cemented into an 
almost adamantine mass, defying as it were both time 

43 This silver trowel, with the handle lengthened, has been used for 
many years in the family as a fish knife. 

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and elements; not a crack or settlement is to be seen 
in the walls of this venerable structure, notwithstand- 
ing the many interior alterations. It is an enduring 
monument to the skill of our early Brethren of St. 
John's Lodge both as Operative as well as Speculative 
Masons. And we as Pennsylvania Freemasons can 
forever point with pride to Independence Hall, the 
cradle of American liberty, as the design and handi- 
craft of the Brethren of the first Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania. 

As a further matter of historical interest, the writer 
will call attention to the fact that four of these early 
Brethren of the first Grand Lodge, James Hamilton, 
Robert Hunter Morris, John Penn, and Benjamin 
Franklin, became Governors of Pennsylvania, and so 
occupied this venerable building during their term of 
office. 

Before passing this subject, the writer wishes to 
place on record another interesting fact; viz:— that 
the ornate silver inkstand used continuously by the 
Assembly in the State House, and from which was 
dipped the ink when the Declaration of Independence 
was signed, was the handiwork of Brother Philip 
Syng who served as Grand Master 1741, with Brother 
Thomas Boude, brick mason of the State House, as 
his Deputy. 

When finally the building was ready for occupancy, 
it was inaugurated, as it were, with a grand banquet 
given by Past Grand Master Brother William Allen, 



1706— £be tfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

then Mayor of the City, at which without doubt all 
of the Brethren of St. John's Lodge participated. 
Franklin thus notes the occasion: 

"Thursday last "William Allen, Esq., Mayor of this City 
for the year past, made a feast for his citizens at the state 
house, to which all the strangers in town of note were also 
invited. Those who are judges of such things say that con- 
sidering the delicacy of the viands, the variety and excellency 
of the wines, the great number of guests, and yet the easiness 
and order with which the whole was conducted, it was the 
most grand, the most elegant entertainment that has been 
made in these parts of America." (From the Pennsylvania 
Gazette, No. 407, Sept. 30, 1736.) 

This banquet was held in "the long room" and its 
two ante-chambers, one or both of which in after years 
(1800-1802) served the present E. W. Grand Lodge 
as a place of meeting. 

Another incident of note is that when the Legis- 
lature met at their October sessions, 1736, the meeting 
was held in the State House, at which meeting the 
first public Assembly was held within the historic 
walls, when Andrew Hamilton, architect of the build- 
ing was elected speaker for the seventh time, and 
Benjamin Franklin clerk; thus Franklin made his 
advent in public life, within the walls of the historic 
building, erected during his term as Grand Master, 
and with which, in after life, he was to be so intimately 
connected. At the above meeting, Past Grand Master 
Brother William Allen was a representative from 

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Philadelphia County, and his brother-in-law, Past 
Grand Master Brother James Hamilton, represented 
Lancaster County. 

In the struggle for Independence, Benjamin Frank- 
lin appears to be the only Brother whose name shines 
out brightly in the cause of Independence. Almost all 
of the early Brethren of St. John's Lodge had either 
passed to the Grand Lodge beyond or were upon the 
Royal side. Franklin's name alone appears from 
those upon the roster of old "Liber B" who dipped 
their pen in Brother Syng's silver ink-stand, and 
signed the immortal Declaration in 1776. 

Returning again to the Masonic career of Franklin, 
we find, by the old Ledger of St. John's Lodge, that 
he was a regular attendant at his Lodge— having 
been absent from but five regular meetings of the 
Lodge in as many years. 

In his newspaper, he continued to publish any 
Masonic notices from home or abroad that came to his 
attention. Thus, in the Pennsylvania Gazette for May 6 
to 13, 1731, we find a notice from Dublin; July 15 to 
22, 1731, one from London; May 4 to 11, 1732, another 
from London: 

June 19 to 26, 1732— Election of William Allen as 
Grand Master. 

March 15 to 22, 1732-3— Initiation of a Jew in 
London. 

April 19 to 26, 1733— Quarterly Communication, 
London. 

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1706— £be jfranfelin Bicentenary— 1906 

June 7 to 14, 1733— Constitution of Lodge in London, 
and appointment of Provincial Grand Master for 
Spain. 

June 21 to 28, 1733— Election of Humphrey Mur- 
ray as Grand Master. 

May 9 to 16, 1734— Advertisement of Franklin's 
reprint of Anderson's "Constitutions," the first Ma- 
sonic book printed in America. 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 284, May 9 to May 16, 

1734.) 43 

"Just Published. 

The CONSTITUTIONS of the FREEMASONS: Contain- 
ing the History, Charges, Regulations, etc., of that most 
ancient and Right Worshipful Fraternity, London printed. 
Reprinted by B. Franklin, in the year of Masonry 5734. 
Price Stitch 'd 2s. 6, bound 4s." 

June 20 to 27, 1734— Election of Benjamin Frank- 
lin as Grand Master. 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 290, June 20 to June 
27, 1734.) 

"Monday last a Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable 
Society of Free and Accepted Masons in this Province, was 
held at the Tun Tavern in Water street, when BENJAMIN 
FRANKLIN being elected Grand Master for the year ensuing, 
appointed Mr. John Crap to be his Deputy; and James 
Hamilton, Esq., and Thomas Hopkinson, Gent., were chosen 
Wardens. After which a very elegant entertainment was 
provided, and the Proprietor, the Governor, and several 
other persons of distinction, honored the Society with their 
presence." 

* This advertisement was repeated in No. 285, May 16 to May 23, 
and in No. 286, May 23 to May 30, 1734. 

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Franklin's term as Grand Master, during the 
year 1734—5, was an important one in our Masonic 
history, as it was during his term as has been shown, 
that the walls of Independence Hall were raised by 
some of his Brethren of the Craft. He also set up 
and printed during his term of office, "by special 
order, for the use of the Brethren in North America," 
his "Mason Book," which was a reprint of Anderson's 
"Constitutions," originally published in London in 
1723 ; a proof of how much interest Freemasonry had 
aroused in the Colonies at that early day. 

There was another reason why Franklin reprinted 
these "Constitutions." It appears that at this time 
the original English edition was exhausted, and, Free- 
masonry having spread over the Colonies from Massa- 
chusetts to the Carolinas and Georgia, the American 
demand could not be supplied from the home sources. 
A careful scrutiny of the advertisements in the local 
papers up to the time of Franklin's announcement in 
May, 1734, fails to show any importation of the origi- 
nal edition. The following extract from the proceed- 
ings of the Grand Lodge of England throws light 
upon the existing conditions: 

"Monday, Feb. 24, 1734-5. 

"Brother Anderson, Author of the Book of Con- 
stitutions representing that a new edition was become 
necessary and that he had prepared materials for it, 
the Grand Master and Lodge ordered him to lay the 
same before the present and former Grand Officers, 

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1706— Ebe jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

that they might report their Opinion to Grand 
Lodge. ' ' 

It will be noticed that above action was taken 
several months after Franklin's reprint was issued. 

The American edition, though advertised in May, 
1734, was not ready for delivery until the following 
August, during which month he sends 70 copies to 
Boston and charges the same to the local lodge of 
Masons "at Br. Hubaeds"; at the same time he sends 
a number to South Carolina, where Freemasonry had 
been introduced in the fall or winter of 1731, by 
Feanklin's partner, Brother Thomas Whitemaesh, 
of St. John's Lodge, who had gone there and set up a 
press. 

Later in the year, Feanklin sent to "Brother James 
by Brother Petee" "more Mason books to Boston." 

Still later in the year, under date of November 28, 
1734, we have his letters to the Grand Master and 
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts (originals unfortu- 
nately destroyed). 4311 A careful perusal of the copies 
of both the official and personal parts of this com- 
munication leads the writer to the opinion that one of 
Franklin's motives in penning these endearing mis- 
sives was expressed in his postscript: 

"If more of the Constitutions are wanted, among 
you, please hint it to me." 

Feanklin had "Mason Books" to sell, and he was 
as shrewd a merchant as a philosopher. 

"" See " Masonic Letters of Benjamin Franklin, of Philadelphia, 
to Henry Price, of Boston," p. 193 et seq. 

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THE 

CONSTITUTIONS 

O F T H E 

FREE-MASONS. 

CONTAINING THE 

Hiftory, Charges, Regulations, &c. 
of that mofl Ancient and Right 
Worfhipful FRATERNITY. 

For the Ufe of the LODGES. 






LONDON Printed 5 Juno 5723. 

Re-printed in Philadelphia by fpecial Order, for the Ufe 

of the Brethren in NORTH-JME R IC4. 

In the Year. of Mafonry 5734, 4aao Domini 1734. 

Title Page of Franklin 's Bepbint of Andeeson 's ' ' Constitutions. ' ' 

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1700— £be jfranMin Bicentenary)— 1900 

As these two missives are the oldest American 
Masonic letters that appear to have heen preserved, 
we reproduce them in full, together with a facsimile 
of Franklin's official signature as Grand Master of 




Fac-simile or Entries in Franklin 's Journal of Books Sent to 
Boston, August, 1734. 



Pennsylvania. The original autograph was torn from 
one of the letters, about 1843, by an officer of the 
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and thus escaped de- 
struction in the burning of the Winthrop House at 
Boston, April 6th, 1864. 

These letters are as follows: 44 

14 The original of this letter was inexistence until April 6, 1864, 
when it was destroyed at the burning of the Winthrop House, Bos- 
ton. But many copies of it had been previously made, and no one 
doubts its authenticity. A sworn copy of it appears in the Proceed- 
ings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1871, pp. 356-7. 

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"Right Worshipful Grand Master and Most "Worthy 
and Dear Brethren, — We acknowledge your favor of the 
23d of October past, and rejoice that the Grand Master 
(whom God bless) hath so happily recovered from his late 
indisposition ; and we now, glass in hand, drink to the estab- 
lishment of his health, and the prosperity of your whole Lodge. 

"We have seen in the Boston prints an article of news from 
London, importing that at a Grand Lodge held there in 
August last, Mr. Price's deputation and power was extended 
over all America, which advice we hope is true, and we heartily 
congratulate him thereupon, and though this has not been 
as yet regularly signified to us by you, yet, giving credit 
thereto, we think it our duty to lay before your Lodge what 
we apprehend needful to be done for us, in order to promote 
and strengthen the interest of Masonry in this Province 
(which seems to want the sanction of some authority derived 
from home, to give the proceedings and determinations of 
our Lodge their due weight) to wit, a Deputation or Charter 
granted by the Eight Worshipful Mr. Price, by virtue of his 
commission from Britain, confirming the Brethren of Penn- 
sylvania in the privileges they at present enjoy of holding 
annually their Grand Lodge, choosing their Grand Master, 
Wardens, and other officers, who may manage all affairs 
relating to the Brethren here with full power and authority, 
according to the customs and usages of Masons, the said Grand 
Master of Pennsylvania only yielding his chair when the 
said Grand Master of all America shall be in place. This, if it 
seem good and reasonable to you to grant, will not only be ex- 
tremely agreeable to us, but will also we are confident conduce 
much to the welfare, establishment, and reputation of Ma- 
soury in these parts. We therefore submit it for your con- 
sideration, and, as we hope our request will be complied with, 



1706— ftbe jfranfelm Bicentenary— 1906 

we desire that it may be done as soon as possible, and also 
accompanied with a copy of the R. W. Grand Master's first 
Deputation, and of the instrument by which it appears to be 
enlarged as above-mentioned, witnessed by your Wardens, 
and signed by the Secretary; for which favors this Lodge 
doubt not of being able to behave as not to be thought un- 
grateful. 
"We are, Right Worshipful Grand Master and Most Worthy 

Brethren, Your Affectionate Brethren and obliged humble 
Servts. 

Signed at the request of the Lodge, 




Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1734. 

"Dear Brother Price,- — I am glad to hear of your re- 
covery. I hoped to have seen you here this Fall, agreeable 
to the expectation you were so good as to give me; but since 
sickness has prevented your coming while the weather was 
moderate, I have no room to flatter myself with a visit from 
you before the Spring, when a deputation of the Brethren 
here will have an opportunity of showing how much they 
esteem you. I beg leave to recommend their request to you, 
and to inform you, that some false and rebel Brethren, who 
are foreigners, being about to set up a distinct Lodge in 
opposition to the old and true Brethren here, pretending to 
make Masons for a bowl of punch, and the Craft is like to 
come into disesteem among us unless the true Brethren are 
countenanced and distinguished by some such special au- 
thority as herein desired. I entreat, therefore, that whatso- 



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ever you shall think proper to do therein may be sent by the 
next post, if possible, or the next following. 
"I am, 



^C/in^r aWltA™ etXtkjPpp/foi^ 




Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1734. 

"P. S. — If more of the Constitutions are wanted among 
you, please hint it to me. 

[The address upon the letters:] 

' ' To Me. Henry Price 
At the Brazen Head 
Boston, 
N. E." 

Unfortunately there exists no reply by Henry Price 
to these letters, nor any copy of a Deputation or 
Charter, which may have been granted on his request ; 
nor has the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts any other 
contemporary documents bearing upon the subject. 

Nothing in our local Masonic history has called 
forth more controversy than these two letters. It is 
not the purpose of the present writer to enter into 
these discussions. The letters speak for themselves. 45 

" See " Masonic Letters of Benjamin Franklin, of Philadelphia, 
to Henry Price, of Boston," pp. 193-202. 

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1706— Gbe jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

Franklin's information appears not to have been 
correct, for on examination of Price's deputation, 
granted by Lord Montague on April 30th, 1733, it 
appears that his authority was limited to New Eng- 
land, and there is no evidence that he ever attempted 
any control over the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
which continued to elect Grand Officers annually, as 
prescribed in the Coxe deputation, until the appoint- 
ment of Franklin as Provincial Grand Master in 
1749 by Thomas Oxnard, of Massachusetts, which was 
of a short duration. 

Towards the close of Brother Franklin's term as 
Grand Master, in 1735, he suffered from a severe 
attack of pleurisy, which came very close to cutting 
short his eventful career, as the attack terminated in 
an abscess of the left lobe of his lungs, and he then 
almost suffocated with the quantity and suddenness 
of the discharge. His rugged constitution, however, 
asserted itself, and Franklin recovered. 

The second one of Franklin's essays before men- 
tioned, was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 
324, February 11 to 18, 1734, while he was Grand 
Master, and it is supposed to have been previously de- 
livered by him before the Brethren of St. John's 
Lodge during his term while filling the oriental 
chair. 46 The subject was "Self Denial not the Essence 

" According to a tradition which has come down in the Swift 
family. John Swift was a member of St. John's and the Grand 
Lodge. 

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of Virtue, ' ' and is full of the terse epigrams for which 
"Poor Richard" became famous: 

SELF DENIAL NOT THE ESSENCE OF VIRTUE. 

It is commonly asserted that without self-denial there is no 
virtue, and that the greater the self-denial the greater the 
virtue. 

If it were said that he who cannot deny himself anything 
he inclines to, though he knows it to be to his hurt, has not the 
virtue or resolution or fortitude, it would be intelligent 
enough ; but as it stands it seems obscure or erroneous. 

Let us consider some of the virtues singly. 

If a man has no inclination to wrong people in his dealings, 
if he feels no temptation to it, and therefore never does it, 
can it be said that he is not a just man? If he is a just man, 
has he not the virtue of justice? 

If to a certain man idle diversions have nothing in them 
that is tempting, and therefore he never relaxes his applica- 
tion to business for their sake, is he not an industrious man? 
Or has he not the virtue of industry? 

I might in like manner instance in all the rest of the vir- 
tues ; but, to make the thing short, as it is certain that the more 
we strive against the temptation to any vice and practice the 
contrary virtue, the weaker will that temptation be and the 
stronger will be that habit, till at length the temptation has 
no force or entirely vanishes; does it follow from thence that 
in our endeavors to overcome vice we grow continually less 
and less virtuous, till at length we have no virtue at all. 

If self-denial be the essence of virtue, then it follows that 
the man who is naturally temperate, just, &c, is not virtuous ; 
but that in order to be virtuous he must, in spite of his natural 

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1706— Gbe jfranfclin Bicentenary?— 1906 



inclination, wrong his neighbours, and eat and drink, &c, to 
excess. 

But perhaps it may be said that by the word virtue in the 
above assertion is meant merit; and so it should stand thus: 
Without self-denial there is no merit, and the greater the self- 
denial the greater the merit. 

The self-denial here meant must be when our inclinations 
are towards vice, or else it would still be nonsense. 

By merit is understood desert; and when we say a man 
merits, we mean that he deserves, praise or reward. 

We do not pretend to merit anything of God, for He is above 
our services ; and the benefits He confers on us are the effects 
of His goodness and bounty. 

All our merit, then, is with regard to one another, and 
from one to another. 

Taking, then, the assertion as it last stands : 

If a man does me a service from a natural benevolent in- 
clination, does he deserve less of me than another who does 
me the like kindness against his inclination? 

If I have two journeymen, one naturally industrious, the 
other idle, but both perform a day's work equally good, ought 
I to give the latter the most wages? 

Indeed lazy workmen are commonly observed to be more 
extravagant in their demands than the industrious, for if they 
have not more for their work they cannot live as well. But 
though it be true to a proverb, that lazy folks take the most 
pains, does it follow that they deserve the most money? 

If you were to employ servants in affairs of trust, would you 

not bid more for one you knew was naturally honest, than 

for one naturally roguish but who has lately acted honestly? 

For currents whose natural channel is damned up, till the 

new course is by time worn sufficiently deep and become 

92 



£bc Celebration 



natural, are apt to break their banks. If one servant is more 
valuable than another, has he not more merit than another? 
and yet this is not on account of superior self-denial. 

Is a patriot not praiseworthy if public spirit is natural 
to him? 

Is a pacing-horse less valuable for being a natural pacer? 

Nor, in my opinion, has any man less merit for having in 
general natural virtuous inclinations. 

The truth is, that temperance, justice, charity, &c are 
virtues, whether practiced with or against our inclinations, 
and the man who practises them merits our love and esteem; 
and self-denial is neither good nor bad, but as it is applied, 
he that denies a vicious inclination is virtuous in proportion to 
his resolution ; but the most perfect virtue is above all tempta- 
tion — such as the virtue of the saints in heaven ; and he who 
does a foolish, indecent or wicked thing, merely because it is 
contrary to his inclination (like some mad enthusiasts I have 
read of, who ran about naked, under the notion of taking 
up the cross), is not practising the reasonable science of 
virtue, but is a lunatic. 

From Franklin's old account book, which he called 
"Ledger A" as well as "Journal" now in the Collec- 
tion of the American Philosophical Society— we find 
the following entries and charges : 

"Lodge of Mason's at Br. Hubards Dr. 

For tickets 5 

For tickets 1000 4.3.4 
Sept. 1734 For a finely gilded constitution to the 

Proprietor 5 

For one Do for the Lodge 5 

93 



1706— £be jfranftlin Bicentenary— 1906 



August 31 For 3 Constitutions by John Cather- 

wood, Lan. County 

For 1 Do. to Morgan Sexton 



7.6 
2.6 












^4f a/ 










£2>7^£^rZ*J*T+ J >- '* 42. *Z- /+£***£ 






6< 



/A- 

m 






# 



v 



Fac-simile of Entries in Franklin's Journal. 

Omitted 15s. For 6 by Reynells to Lancaster 

For postage of Commission &c. lis. 4d. 

& 2s. 8d. 14 

For Constitutions sent to Boston 70, 



Carolina 25 



11.17.6 





13.11.10" 


"Lodge Dr. Continued 




Brot. over 


13.11.10 


Oct. 1736 For 1100 Tickets 


4.11.8 


For Advertisements 


10.0 


1737 Aug. 10 For Freight of Limes 


3.0 



18.16.6" 



<>4 



<Ibe Celebration 



A careful analysis of the above account shows that 
two charges for ' ' Tickets ' ' were made prior to Septem- 
ber, 1734, and were evidently long since paid for. In 
the footing on first column Franklin accidentally 
counted the four pence of the former charge, which 
accounts for the error in addition. The charge of six 
copies "by Reynells to Lancaster," was also omitted, 
and is so noted in the margin. The bill when presented 
to the Lodge was undoubtedly corrected. 

What is meant by the charge of 14 shillings for 
"postage of Commission, &c, " has thus far remained 
an unsolved problem to the present writer. 



Oof. r? 5 £ 

I]?]. J4ytc 






oztts*- - 



<^x-^>^vs« 




/3 J 






IK 






^ 



X 



/6 > <£ 



Fac-simile of Entries in Franklin 's Journal. 



Other charges of interest to us, found upon the pages 
of the old tome beside those already mentioned, are : 



"Isaac Brown dr. 

For a gilt Mason book & one unbd. 0.7.6. 

Upon other pages we find 

October 8, 1734 Philip Syng Dr. for binding a 

Mason book. 1.6 

95 



1706— £bc jfranftltn Bicentenary— 1900 

November 1734 Mr. Thomas Perm, Proprietor. 

For a book of Constitutions. 6.0 

James Bingham for Binding a Ma- 
son book 1.6 
Mr. Newingham for binding a Mason 

book gilt 4.0 

Edward Evans for a Mason book 2.6 

March 20, 1735 John Hubbard for Mason book 2.6 

May 13, 1735 F. Hopkinson, Dr. to binding a Ma- 
son book 1.6" 

All of the above named, with the exception of 
Thomas Penn and Edward Evans, were members of 
St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia. 

That Franklin's deep interest in Freemasonry did 
not lessen, notwithstanding the many organizations in 
which he was the leading spirit, such as the Library, 
the Junto, and the Union Fire Company, is shown by 
the fact that, after his first term as Grand Master had 
expired, he served as Secretary of his Lodge for 
several years, until the records and accounts in 
' ' Liber B ' ' end in 1738, for the avowed purpose of keep- 
ing up an interest among the members. It was Ben- 
jamin Franklin who balanced the accounts of the 
members in the Ledger, and wrote the last entry in 
the book. 

It has been well said by a former commentator that 
he was a "shining example of an early Freemason, 
who throughout his extended career never lost his 
interest nor ceased to be active in the Fraternity." 



£be Celebration 



Continuing our scrutiny of his Pennsylvania 
Gazette, we find the following Masonic items : 

June 26 to July 3, 1735— Election of James Hamil- 
ton as Provincial Grand Master. 

October 2 to 9, 1735— A notice of Grand Lodge of 
Ireland. 

July 8 to 15, 1735— Election of Thomas Hopkinson 
as Grand Master of the Province. 

July 15 to 22, 1736— Freemasons' parade in London. 

May 5 to 12, 1737— Election of Grand Master of 
Scotland. 

May 26 to June 2, 1737— A Freemason's funeral at 
London. 

Next we come to an unfortunate incident by which a 
credulous life was lost, the blame for which was 
wrongly laid at the door of the Fraternity, and 
afforded the non-Masonic and political enemies of 
Franklin an opportunity to attack him, and accuse 
him of conniving at the transaction, even though he 
had not been present at the time. The first public 
notice of this outrage appeared in Franklin's Penn- 
sylvania Gazette, No. 444, June 9 to 16, 1737, viz : 

"Philadelphia, June 16 — we hear that on Monday night 
last, some people, pretending to be Free Masons, got together 
in a cellar with a young man, who was desirous of being made 
one, and in the ceremonies, 'tis said, they threw some burning 
spirits upon him, either accidentally or to terrify him, which 
burnt him so that he was obliged to take his bed, and died 

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1706— £be franklin Bicentenary— 1906 



this morning. The coroner's inquest are now sitting on the 
body." 

The story of this incident is as follows: Dr. Evan 
Jones, who was a prominent apothecary of that day, 
and whose shop was at the corner of Market Street 
and Letitia Court, had a credulous and unsophis- 
ticated apprentice by the name of Daniel Reese, who 
expressed a desire to be made a Freemason. Dr. 
Jones, with several of his cronies, none of whom, how- 
ever, were Masons, concluded to have some sport at 
the young man's expense, telling him they would 
initiate him. 

On the appointed night, they took the innocent 
youth into the back yard of Dr. Jones' house, where, 
under the pretence of initiating him into the Mystery 
of Freemasonry, they made him take an irreligious 
and scandalous oath, which was composed and ad- 
ministered by one John Remington, a lawyer; after 
this Reese was forced to submit to a number of absurd 
and ridiculous indignities. They then instructed him 
in certain ludicrous signs, and told him he had now 
received the first degree in Freemasonry. The other 
persons who assisted at this farce were one John 
Tackerbury, and a certain tailor, whose initials "E. 
W.," are all that we have as to his identity. 

Young Reese, having no suspicion of the fraud 
being perpetrated upon him, presented himself on the 
evening of June 13, 1737, to have a higher degree 



£be Celebration 



conferred upon him. For this purpose he was led 
into the cellar of Dr. Jones' store, blindfolded, and 
made to repeat a profane invocation to the devil. 
They then administered to him a libation, in which 
was a strong dose of physic. Being led to kiss a book 
to swear upon, he was made to kiss a substitute, in- 
tended to much increase the rude sport of the com- 
pany. In the meantime a pan of ' ' Snapdragon, ' ' into 
which some camphor had been introduced was set on 
fire (this was intended to give all present the pale 
hue of death) ; with that the bandage was slipped off 
of the lad, who saw in front of him one Sullivan, who 
became a fugitive from justice, with a cow's hide and 
horns representing the devil. However, as all this 
failed to terrify the young man, Dr. Jones actually 
threw the pan of burning spirits over the poor lad, 
who was at once ablaze. This revel terminated in the 
death of the young man, after languishing for three 
days in delirium. 

The Coroner's Jury severely censured the guilty 
parties, though they acquitted them of intentional 
homicide. 

In the next issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 
445, June 16 to 23, 1737, Franklin published follow- 
ing news item : 

"Philadelphia, June 23. — The Coroner's Inquest on the 
body of the young man mentioned in our last, found that his 
death was occasioned by the burning spirits thrown upon 

99 



LOFC. 



1706— ^be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

him, but that as far as it appeared to them, by the evidence 
they had, the throwing of these spirits upon him was acci- 
dental. 'Tis said, however, since the Inquest, further evi- 
dence has been given to the Magistrate that it was a voluntary 
action. ' ' 

An advertisement was also published in both 
Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette and Bradford's 
American Weekly Mercury, in which the officers of 
the Grand Lodge and the members of St. John's 
Lodge declare their abhorrence to such practices in 
general, and their innocence of this fact in particular; 
viz: 

Penn'a, SS., Hopkinson, Grand Master. 

Whereas, some ill-disposed Persons in this City assuming 
the Name of Free-Masons, have for some years past imposed 
upon several well-meaning People, who desirous of becoming 
true Brethren, persuading them, after they had performed 
certain ridiculous Ceremonies, that they were really become 
Free-Masons, and have lately, under the Pretence of making 
a Young Man a Mason, caused his Death, as 'tis said, by 
Purging, Vomiting, Burning, and the Terror of certain hor- 
rid and diabolical rites: It is thought proper, for preventing 
such Impositions for the future, and to avoid any unjust 
Aspersions that may be thrown on the Antient and Honorable 
Fraternity on this Account, either in this city or any other 
Part of the World, to publish this Advertisement, declaring 
the Abhorance of all true Brethren to such Practices in gen- 
eral, and their Innocence of this Fact in particular : and that 
the Persons concerned in this wicked Action are not of our 

100 



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Society, nor of any Society of Free and Accepted Masons, 
to our Knowledge or Belief. 

Signed in Behalf of all the Members of St. John's Lodge, 
at Philad'a the 16th day of June 1737. 

Thomas Hopkinson, Grand Master. 

Will. Plumsted, Deputy Master. 

Joseph Shippen \ 

_ [ Grand Wardens. 

Henry Pratt ) 

Although this tragedy caused much excitement in 
Philadelphia, it did not prevent the Brethren from 
meeting on St. John the Baptist's Day and choosing 
officers for the ensuing year, as appears by the Penn- 
sylvania Gazette, No. 446, June 23 to 30, 1737, viz : 

"Philadelphia, June 30. — Fryday last was held, at the 
Indian King in this City a Grand Lodge of the Free and Ac- 
cepted MASONS; when WILLIAM PLUMBSTED was 
unanimously chosen Grand Master of the Province for the 
Year coming, who also appointed JOSEPH SHIPPEN, Jun., 
to be his Deputy, and Messrs. Henry Pratt and Philip Syng 
were nominated and chosen Grand Wardens." 

Franklin, in his Pennsylvania Gazette No. 449, 
July 14 to 21, 1737, refers to the feast of the Grand 
Lodge of England upon the occasion of the installa- 
tion of the Grand Master in 1737. Four months later, 
in No. 468, November 24 to December 1, 1737, he notes 
the appointment of a provincial Grand Master for the 
Leeward group of West India Islands. 

In the meantime, Dr. Evan Jones, John Remington 
and John Tackerbury, three of the principals en- 
gaged in the tragic burlesque, were indicted for the 

101 



1706— Gbe jfranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

murder of Daniel Eeese by the Grand Jury. The 
case was tried during the last week in January, 
1737-8, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer. The trial 
of Dr. Evan Jones, Chymist, lasted 15 hours, at the 
end of which time the jury brought in a verdict, 
finding him guilty of manslaughter. He was at once 
sentenced and burnt in the hand. Eemington was 
also convicted, while Tackekbury, who it was charged 
was an expelled or renegrade Mason, was acquitted. 

After the trial was over, Franklin published a re- 
port of the case in his Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 478, 
January 31 to February 7, 1737-8. 

This report immediately started a sharp contro- 
versy in Bradford's American Weekly Mercury, which 
we may with truth designate as the first anti-Masonic 
paper in America. The chief attack against Frank- 
lin and the Brethren appeared in this paper, which 
was the rival sheet to Franklin's Pennsylvania 
Gazette; as will be seen, Franklin at once publicly 
denied these inuendoes and accusations, substantiating 
his denial by the affidavits of several reputable citi- 
zens who were cognizant of the affair. 

As a matter of historical interest the articles from 
both papers are reprinted in full : 

(Prom the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 478, Jan. 31 to Feb. 7, 
1737-8.) 

"MR. FRANKLIN, 
"YOUR Readers, no doubt, will expect some Information 
concerning the Tryal of Dr. Jones, for the Murder of his 
Apprentice. As I was present as a Spectator and observed 

102 



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the whole Proceeding with Attention; I send you the follow- 
ing account. 

"Mr. GROWDON, the King's Attorney-General, opened 
the Charge laid in the Indictment, with his usual Eloquence. 
He began by informing the Court and Jury, That the deceased 
being young and inexperienced, had expressed a great Inclina- 
tion to be initiated into the Mystery of Free Masonry : Where- 
upon his Master the Prisoner at the Bar, combined with 
several others to divert themselves with the Lad's Simplicity. 
They made him believe, that, before they could gratify his 
Inclination, it was necessary they should invoke and raise 
the Devil. To which the Youth, being under the Direction of 
his Master, unhappily consented. Preparatory to this, the 
Deceased, with a Bandage on his Eyes, was led into the 
Doctor's Garden, where on his Knees he repeated after an- 
other, in broken Sentences (whence there is room to hope he 
might not conceive their Meaning) a stupid blasphemous Writ- 
ing (which, tho' not penned by the Doctor, he was made 
privy to) whereby Satan (suppos'd to be present) was ac- 
knowledged and adored as a supream and mighty Power, 
with Expressions of a true and faithful ' Allegiance to the 
Prince of Darkness. 

"Then they administred to him a Cup, in imitation of the 
Sacrament, which contained a strong Dose of Physiek; after 
which one of the Company indecently discovered his Posteri- 
ors, to which the Lad, under the same Impediment of Sight 
was led to kiss, as a Book to swear upon. Afterwards he 
was conducted into a Cellar, when the last Scene of this 
Hellish Action was laid. Several persons were formally in- 
vited to the Celebration of these Diabolical Rites. The Doc- 
tor having twice endeavored, but without Effect, to set Fire 
to some Rum or other Spirit, that was in an earthen Pan, 

which he had prepared for that Purpose, went up Stairs to 
7 103 



1706— £be jfranftlin Bicentenary— 1906 

his Shop, and presently returning with a large Bottle in his 
Hand, poured into the Pan an additional Quantity of Spirit, 
which, on a third Essay, immediately took Fire; some of the 
Company then diverted themselves at a Play called Snap- 
Dragon, holding their Heads over the Pan, that their Coun- 
tenances, from the blue Reflection of the Flames, might appear 
ghastly and hideous ; hoping from thence, that the Youth, 
upon taking the Bandage from his Eyes, would imagine he 
saw the real Servants of the Devil, who was personated by a 
Fellow dressed in a Cow's Hide with Horns. But the De- 
ceased not expressing that Surprize which was expected, his 
Master asked him if he was not afraid ; He answered, he is not. 
The Doctor thereupon takes up the Pan in his Hands, and 
throws the burning Spirits on the Breast of the Youth, who 
being covered with Flames, his Master threw himself upon 
him, and extinguished them. Here the Scene of Hell closed, 
but with a fatal Consequence. The unhappy young Man 
languished for about three Days, almost continually delirious, 
and then died in a miserable Condition. The Parts burnt, 
which were from the Breast down to the Thighs, appeared 
like the Skin of a roasted Pig, varied with several Spots, some 
black, some of a livid Colour. 

"This was the Sum of the Charge as opened by the Attor- 
ney-General, except a few Circumstances, which were after- 
wards supplied by the Witnesses, who fully proved the whole 
Transaction, as here laid down, beyond the Possibility of a 
Doubt. And, indeed, for several Months before the Tryal 
came on, there was hardly any Person in Philadelphia, who 
could be ignorant of the Affair, in all its horrid Circum- 
stances. And 'tis observable, to the Honour of the Fra- 
ternity of real Free Masons (of which by the Way I am no 
Member) that no sort of People express 'd a greater Abhor- 
rence of the Fact on all Occasions than they did; for which 

104 



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Reason the Doctor challeng'd all the Brethren that were re- 
turn 'd on the Pannel of the Jury, and they were accordingly 
set aside. 

"One of the King's Council agreed to this Effect, That 
the Discharging so large a Quantity of owning Spirits, on 
the Body of the Deceased, must by an immediate and neces- 
sary Consequence, not only hurt, but grievously hurt: That 
therefore the Fact, for which the Prisoner stood charged, 
was clearly Murder in the Eye of the Law: since it is posi- 
tively pronounced in all the Books, That if a man, with a 
sedate Mind, deliberately and UNLAWFULLY, without any 
Provocation, doeth such corporal Hurt and Damage to an- 
other, that he dieth thereof; the Offender, tho' he had no 
design to Kill, is Guilty of MURDER, of Murder by MALICE 
EXPRESS. That the Act of throwing the burning Spirits 
was evidently unlawful; for, if the deceased had lived, the 
Law would have given an Action of Trespass against his 
Master for Assaidt and Battery: Besides, the Circumstances 
which preceded and led to the fatal Act, were of the most 
flagitious Nature that ever were known in this Province, and 
which alone called for the several Punishments, That the 
Common Law of England in this Particular relating to Mur- 
der, was founded in Nature and the eternal Reason of Things; 
since it has remained unalterable thro' a Succession of many 
Ages, is agreeable to the Laws of all other civilized Nations, 
and to the Revealed Law of God himself. 

"The same Gentleman added, That no Government coirtd 
subsist, nor could any thinking Man believe he had any 
reasonable security for his Life, where such cool Villany 
should be perpetrated with Impunity; or where a Man fling- 
ing Fire, Flames, and Death around him, shall be allow 'd to 

excuse it, by saying he was only in Jest. 

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1706— ^be franklin Bicentenary— 1906 

"The King's Attorney-General told the Jury, that the Case 
before them teas the most puzling he had ever met with. 
IL lidded that, after having examined all the cases with the 
strictest Attention, and finding none in Point with this, his 
Conscience obliged him to declare, he did not think the 
Prisoner guilty of Murder. 

"The Jury brought in their Verdict, MANSLAUGHTER. 

"Yours, etc., 

"A. B." 

"Two other persons were arraign 'd with Dr. Jones for the 
same Crime, of whom one was found guilty of Manslaughter, 
but obtain 'd a Pardon ; and on the other was acquitted by the 
Jury." 

(From the American Weekly Mercury, No. 946. Feb. 7 to 
14. 1737, 8.) 

"Mr. Bradford. 

"IT is hard to say, that any Circumstances in a Man's 
Life, should debar him from making his Complaint when hurt, 
or showing his Resentment when injured; to strike a Man when 
he is down, or insult him in distress, is an Act of Cowardice 
and Cruelty; and surely the Man that would inflict greater 
Punishment on his fellow Subject than the Laws allow, in- 
cline to be Arbitrary and barbarous: For as in the Prosecu- 
tion and Punishment of Criminals, the Laws of the Land 
ought to be the Rule, so in reporting or relating a Case try'd, 
Truth ought inviolably to be observed: He that attempts to 
break the Fences of either of these shews more Envy and 
Malice, than Candor or Ingt nutty. 

"Since the Author of the Paper sign'd A. B. in Mr. Frank- 
lin's last Gazette, has taken upon him, to aggravate the Of- 
fences committed by Dr. Jones and others, I think myself 
in Justice obliged, and as an English Subject I have the Right 

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to take Notice of it, being not only present during these Trials 
he observes upon, but also privy to the Acts that bear any 
relation thereto; therefore Shall give Mr. Franklin and his 
Correspondent the naked Truth of the whole, and back my 
Assertions with undoubted Proofs thereof, if required. 
Tackerbury, the principal Evidence against Dr. Jones, hath 
long assumed the Character of one of the Fraternity of Free- 
Masons, but was expelled the Common Lodge (as is reported) 
for some scandals in his Behavior (which are too notorious 
in general) and since his expulsion, has taken upon him to 
form a separate Lodge, and to initiate and establish Members 
according to the GENUINE RITES (as he solemnly pro- 
fessed they are) of the said Society ; Among many other giddy 
Heads, he persuaded the unfortunate Deceased into an inordi- 
nate fondness of being made a Free-Mason, but not by the 
Direction or Consent of his Master, as Mr. A. B. is pleased to 
say; but the unhappy Youth persisted in it against his Mas- 
ter's Threats, and the Intreaties of his Friends, as appear'd 
by Evidence on the Trial; therefore Mr. Franklin's Corre- 
spondent takes more Freedom with the Attorney-General than 
becomes him, who cannot be guilty of such mean and malevo- 
lent Expressions as this Author uses, but his Eloquence and 
Law is too well known and approved to be blasted by the 
pitiful Scurrilities or Sneers of that Writer, whose Charac- 
ter when discovered and displayed, will perhaps afford more 
Instances of Blasphemy and Profaneness, than is contained 
in that Writing or any other Writing or Words (except his 
own) known or uttered in Pennsylvania. But since the Of- 
fenders have been Tried, and received the Punishment or 
Mercy the Law allows, nothing but envy and ill-nature could 
prompt this Author too repeat and aggravate the Crimes 
beyond Measure, and impudently impeach the Justice of the 
Court and Jury, nor can I see the justice or reasonableness of 

107 



1706— Gbe jfranMin Bicentenary— 1906 

his pecuniary, that some of the ridiculous Ceremonies used in 
the Garden, was in allusion to any sacred Rites, unless to 
shew how Agreeable such is, to his wonted Air and accustomed 
Eloquence, in ridiculing those and other religious and sacred 
Points of Divine Worship. 

"But as all that passed in the Garden to initiate, and the 
Ceremony of the Snap-Dragon to compleat a Free-Mason, as 
well as the said Writing, were of the Contrivance of honest 
Tackerbury, he can best explain their Meaning. However 
stupid and prophane that Writing is, it did not always seem 
so harsh to a Free-Mason, for when it was first produced to 

Mr. F n, about 4 Days before the meeting at Snap-Dragon, 

he was pleased to express his Approbation thereof by a most 
hearty Laughter, and in friendship desired to have the further 
perusal of it; which in several Companies he diverted him- 
self with the Reading of, and being informed how D. R. had 
been initiated in the Garden, he candidly saluted him by the 
Name of Brother, and to encourage him in it gave him a 
Sign, as they term it, and congratulated him on being ad- 
mitted into the Brotherhood, and desired to have Notice to be 
present at the Diversion of Snap-Dragon; but it seems he 
was not invited at the Time, but soon after the Misfortune 
happened, he, to the surprise of his Friends, who at his re- 
quest had entrusted him with the Writing for his Diversion, 
went and informed a Magistrate thereof, and appeared as an 
Evidence upon the same at the Trial, which doubtless con- 
duc'd to the finding a Verdict against one of the Prisoners: 
How far this Part, acted by an accepted Free-Mason, of the 
famous Tackerbury' 's various Exploits, tend to the Honour 
of that Society, I shall not contend about, with A. B. but 
leave an indifferent Reader to judge. Turbidum hominum 

Genus! 

108 



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"A. B. asserts, that the Witness proved the whole Trans- 
action, as laid down, beyond the Possibility of a Doubt. If 
with the same Freedom with that Author, I may be allowed 
to Observe, This is an Assertion that carries with it more 
Prejudice than Ingenuity: For I must say, That beyond doubt 
Tackerbury and Sulevan were the only Witnesses that gave 
Evidence that Dr. Jones threw the Spirits on D. R. against 
which Evidence one Witness positively proved, that Tacker- 
bury soon after the Mischief happened, and while he was fled 
from Justice, confessed, that he, Tackerbury, Jogg'd the 
Doctor's Elbow, which occasioned the Spirits to be spilt on 
the Deceased; and two other Witnesses swore, That Tacker- 
bury own'd, that by a Jogg on the Doctor's Elbow, the Mis- 
chief happened; And that on the Day the Bill was found by 
the Grand Jury, Tackerbury, being ask'd how he could Swear 
so against the Doctor, answered, "What will one not Sivear to 
save his own Neck?" And was it not proved, that Sulevan 
who also fled from Justice, and who represented the DEVIL 
in the Action, confessed, soon after the death of D. R. that the 
Cellar was so dark, he could not tell how or by whom the 
Spirit was thrown on the Deceased; not one other Witness 
gives any positive Evidence: But whether there be a possi- 
bility of a Doubt in the case, when the Evidence of Tacker- 
bury and Sulevan, thus confronted, is considered, were their 
Characters fair, I shall not presume to say. But notwith- 
standing the gross Insinuations against the Jury and Attor- 
ney-General, I may justly believe not only the Attorney- 
<!< iirral, but the Court and Jury acted according to the dic- 
tates of their Consciences. 

"As for the Law Cases advanced by A. B. I shall leave 
the Remarks thereon to be made by some of the Profession; 
when that is done, perhaps these may be found as Empty, as 
those lately published and remark 'd, and the Authors of both 
rendered equally contemptible in the Opinion of the Learned ; 

109 



1706— £be jfranftlin 18i*centenars— 1900 

at least he may be thought a little Partial, since he's not 
pleased to favour the Public with any Argument used in 
behalf of the Prisoner. In the mean time, I may be allowed 
to think with the Jury, and all except Franklin's Correspon- 
dent, that the throwing the Spirit, was not done with a sedate 
and deliberate Mind, intending to Hurt, much less with a de- 
sign to Kill, and may not therefore be attended with the same 
Consequence as the Case he States. The Mercy of some Men 
is Cruelty, and the most just Prosecution, Verdict and Judg- 
ment must be impeached, and the Persons (after suffering 
what the Law inflicts) insulted and distressed to Death, if 
their malignant Spirits and arbitrary Wills are not gratified. 
For, as A. B. owns he was present during the whole of these 
Trials, he must needs observe, what indefatigable Pains and 
uncommon Methods were used by the Prosecutor's Council to 
challenge and set aside near 100 Freeholders, before a Jury 
was fixed to his Mind; and now confidently to affirm, that 
the whole was proved beyond possibility of a Doubt, which 
if true, the Court and Jury must have Err'd in the Discharge 
of their Duty; the One in not directing the Party to be found 
guilty as charged, the Other in bringing in too merciful a 
Verdict; What manner of Treatment this is to both (omitting 
the Attorney-General, who is best able to Answer for him- 
self) I submit to the Header. But I will venture to say, there 
are several Hundred good man (Spectators of the whole) 
that will Pronounce with me, that this Writing of A. B.'s, is 
as inconsistent with the Rules of Charity, common Justice and 
Humanity, as the impious Writings justly censur'd by the 
Court and Jury, is with Virtue, Piety and good Manners. 

"C. D." 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 479, Feb. 7 to Feb. 14, 
1737-8.) 

' ' SOME very false and scandalous Aspersions being thrown 
on me in the MERCURY of Yesterday, with regard to Dr. 

no 



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Jones's Affair, I find my self obliged to set that Matter in a 
true Light. 

"Sometime in June last, Mr. Danby, Mr. Alrihs, and my 
self were appointed by the Court of Common-Pleas, as Audi- 
tors to settle an Affair, between Dr. Jones and Arnstrong 
Smith, then depending in said Court. We met accordingly 
at a Tavern in Market Street on the Saturday morning before 
the Tradegy was acted in the Doctor's Cellar. Dr. Jones ap- 
peared, and R n as his Attorney, but Smith could not 

readily be found. While we waited for Smith, in order to 

hear both parties together; the Doctor and R n began to 

entertain us with au Account of some Diversion they had 
lately had with the Dr.'s Apprentice, who being desirous of 
being made a Free-Mason, they had persuaded him thay could 
make him one, and accordingly had taught him several ridicu- 
lous Signs, Words and Ceremonies, of which he was very 
fond. Tis true I laugh 'd (and perhaps heartily, as my Man- 
ner is) at the Beginning of their Relation ; but when they 
came to those Circumstances of their giving him a violent 
Purge, leading him to kiss T's Posteriors, and administring 

to him the diabolical Oath which R n read to us, I grew 

indeed serious, as I suppose the most merry Man (not inclin'd 
to Mischief) would on such an Occasion? Nor did any one 

of the Company, except the Doctor and R n themselves, 

seem in the least pleased with the Affair, but the contrary. 
Mr. Danby in particular said, That if they had done such 
things in England, they would be prosecuted. Mr. Alrichs, 
That he did not believe they could stand by it, and my self. 
That when the Young Man came to know how he had been 
impos'd on, he would never forgive them. But the Doctor and 

R n went on to tell us, that they design 'd to have some 

further Diversion, on pretence of raising him to a higher 

Degree in Masonry. R n said it was intended to introduce 

ill 



1706— £be jfranblin Bicentenary— 1906 

him blindfold and stripp'd into a Room where the Company 
being each provided with a Rod or Switch should chastize 
him smartly; which the Doctor oppos'd, and said He had a 
better Invention; they would have a Game at S nap-Dragon 
in a Dark Cellar, where some Figures should be dress 'd up, 
that by the pale Light of Burning Brandy would appear 
horrible and frighten him d bly. Soon after which Dis- 
course the young man himself coming in to speak with his 
Master, the Doctor pointed at me, and said to him, Daniel, 
that Gentleman is a Free-Mason; make a Sign to him. Which 
whether he did or not, I cannot tell, for I was so far from 
encouraging him in the Delusion, or taking him by the Hand, 
or calling him Brother, and welcoming him into the Frater- 
nity, as is said, that I turned my head to avoid seeing him 
make his pretended Sign, and look'd out of the Window into 
the Garden : And all those Circumstances, with that of my 
il< siring to have Notice that I might b< present at the Snap- 
Dragon, are absolutely false and groundless. I was acquainted 
with, and had a Respect for the Young Lad's Father, and 
thought it a pity his Son should be so impos'd upon, and 
therefore follow 'd the Lad down Stairs to the Door when he 
went out, with a Design to call him back and give him a Hint 
of the Imposition; biit he was gone out of sight and I never 
saw him afterwards; for the Monday Night following, the 
Affair in the Cellar was transacted which prov'd his Death. 

As to the Paper or Oath, I did desire F n when he had 

read it to let me see it; and finding it a Piece of very extraor- 
dinary Nature, I told him I was desirous to shew it to some 
of my Acquaintance, and so put it in my Pocket. I com- 
municated it to one, who mention 'd it to others, and so 
many People flocked to my House for a Sight of it, that it 
grew troublesome, and therefore when the Mayor sent for it, 

I was glad of the Opportunity to be discharg'd from it. Nor 

112 



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do I yet conceive that it was my Duty to conceal or destroy 
it. And being subpena'd on the Tryal as a Witness for the 
King, I appear'd and gave my Evidence fully, freely and 
impartially, as I think it becomes an honest Man to do. And 
I may call every one to whom I read that Paper, to witness, 
that I always accompanied it with Expressions of Detestation. 
This being the true State of the Case, I think I may reason- 
ably hope, that I am so well known in this City, where I have 
liv'd near 14 Years, as that the false and malicious Insinua- 
tions contain 'd in the Mercury, will not do the Injury to my 

Reputation that seems intended. 

B. Franklin. 

"P. S. I suppose A. B. will answer for himself." 

"WE whose Names are hereunder subscribed, do certify, 
That we were present at the Time and Place above-mentioned, 

when Dr. Jones and J n R n related their Proceedings 

with Daniel R s ; and we do very well remember, that they 

were not countenanced or encourag'd by any Person present, 
but the contrary. And that Benjamin Franklin in particular 
did speak against it, and did neither approve of what had been 
already done (as related by the Doctor and R n) nor de- 
sire to be present at what was proposed to be farther done 

with the said Daniel R s, as is falsely insinuated in Mr. 

Bradford's last MERCURY. And this we declare sincerely 
and freely, without any other motive than the Desire of doing 
Justice to the Reputation of the said Benjamin Franklin. 
Witness our Hands, this 15th Day of February, 1737, 8. 

"JOHN DANBY, 
"HARMANUS ALRIHS." 

"THE above-named John Danby being sworn upon the 
Holy Evangelists, and Hamanus Alrihs being duly affirmed, 

113 



1706— £bc jfranftlin 36i*ccntcnar?— 1906 

on their respective Qualifications did declare, that the eon- 
tents of the above Certificate were true. 

"Sworn and affirm '</ 

"Before m,t . this 15th 

"of February, 17;>7, S. 

•■ WILLIAM ALLEN." 

(From the American Weekly Mercury, No. 947. Feb. 14 to 
Feb. 21, 1737, 8.) 

"'AS no other Motive excited me to take notice of .1. B.'s 
Remarks on the Tryal of Dr. Joins and others, bu1 what pro- 
ceeded from the Principles of Charity and Benevolence; so 
I could not avoid engaging on the side of Mercy and Justice, 
in opposition to such as would Advocate for Cruelty and 
Oppression; and when their virulent Efforts could not pre- 
vail to deprive Men of Life, would bid defiance to establish M 
Rules, and scorn the ordinary Dispensation of Justice; and 
vent their Spleen on all concerned in the Administration of 
Clemency; and shew their earnest endeavors to debar them of 
Liberty; such an Arbitrary and Malevolent disposition of 
.Mind, in my Opinion (not for the sake of any private Person 
or Concern, but for the Welfare, Comfort and Security of 
every one's Life and Liberty) ought to be abhorred, and 
totally quelled and banished from all Societies: But as we live 
in a Colony generally noted as well for JUSTICE as MERCY, 
it's not to be much dreaded that such Malignant (if any are 
crept amongst us) will find many Adherents, so there's no 
room to doubt but the Doctor and others will be allowed the 
protection and privileges due by Law, in Consequence of 
which, and of the natural Right of Self-preservation, I take 
the Liberty to rescue myself from the Imputation of throw- 
ing false and scandalous Aspersions on any one, as asserted 
by Mr. F n in his last Gazette. 



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"As I bear not the least ill will to Mr. F n, I can but 

in Charity think he did forget as well what past in Conver- 
sation, as he did the Day on which it happened; for on 
Friday (not Saturday) he met the Company at the Place and 
on the Account he mentions, and on that Day, Friday, the dis- 
course was had: I think it is almost improbable he should 
forget the Name Tackerbury, then often mentioned, and said 
to be the Person that had taken upon him to initiate and per- 
suade the young Man to be a Free-Mason, being one of that 

Fraternity himself, but neither the Doctor or Re were 

such, as the young man well knew, and so it appeared on the 
Tryal ; it's not reasonable nor credible they could pretend to 
lead him into such perswasion. or that they said so; especially 
since Tackerbury had long before drawn him into his Snare, 
and invented the whole Scheme some Months before, as was 

evidently proved on the said Tryal. Mr. F n also forgets 

the Subject Matter of his Laughter, the Writing or diabolical 
Oath, as he calls it. was by the Dr. delivered to and read by 

him, and not by Be , and thereupon he laugh 'd as his 

manner is, and read the same over and over, and at his re- 
quest the same was entrusted with him in the Manner and for 
the Purpose as C. D. has observed, which Point as charged by 

C. D. Mr. F n owns, save that after he had communicated 

and read it to so many, that it grew troublesome, he says he 
delivered it to a Messenger from the Mayor, who mast have 
been informed of it before; a Circumstance not varying in 
Substance from what is charged, and therefore cannot be a 

false Aspersion. But surely if Mr. F n had been in 

Earnest or so Serious upon the Occasion, as he mentions, he 
would not have contributed to debauch and corrupt the Minds 
and Manners of so many by publishing and communicating 
to them a diabolical Writing. 

115 



1706— Gbe jfranklin Bi*centenan>— 1906 

"I must by leave, and I hope in point of Justice to myself 
I may be allowed, with Freedom to declare a truth so demon- 
strable as can be well attested, That Mr. F n did Salute 

the young Man by the Name, give a Sign, and congratulate 
him upon the Occasion ; and signified his desire and design to 
be present at the then proposed Diversion, as is asserted by 
C. D. tho' some present either forgot or did not hear all that 
passed, and therefore C. D.'s Allegations touching these points 
are not false nor groundless; but if Scandals are to be in- 
ferred from thence, they are not to be imputed to him, nor 

is it probable that the Doctor and Re should proceed in 

the Manner set forth by Mr. F n, had he expressed his 

detestation of the Subject as he insinuates. 

"But I believe none can think Mr. F n in Earnest, 

when he says he had a respect for the Lad's Father, and 
thought it was a pity his Son should be imposed on, and 
therefore he followed the Lad down stairs, etc. when in Truth 

the Lad went out and Mr. F n did not stir from the Room 

in less than half an hour after, and so no wonder he was gone 
out of sight: 

"But pray, if the kindness he expresses to have for the 
Father, or the Abhorrence of the Imposition on the Son were 
real, why did he not (since he had several Days opportunity 
for it) sooner inform the Magistrate, or advise the Young 
Man, so as to prevent that Imposition, and the unhappy Con- 
sequences that happened in the Cellar? I heartily wish, since 
he conscended to such an Office at last, that he had done it 
at first, that his Information might have turned to some good 
purpose. But his appealing to several who heard him read 
this prophane Writing, to witness that his Reading was ac- 
companied with Expressions of Detestation, may possibly im- 
ply more of Hypocrisy than Sincerity. And I think it more 
consistent with the part or duty of a good Man, to conceal 

116 



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or destroy so prophane a Writing, than to repeat or publish 
it to his Neighbours, which in my Opinion shews more of his 
pleasure in it than detestation of it, since his so doing could 
not tend to the publick nor private good. 

' ' I should not be dissatisfied nor find fault with Mr. F— — n 's 
endeavors to palliate his own Conduct, did he not unjustly 
Charge and Reproach that of others ; nor would I presume to 
say, that his hearty Laughter, which he owns, at the relation 
given him of the Matters, did any wise argue his Approba- 
tion of 'em, or that he desired to be present at the Diversion 
mentioned, since his "Witnesses, more tender of his Reputa- 
tion than himself, have otherwise certified, etc. Altho' I am 
no Lawyer, yet I must beg leave to think, and my weak Reason 
tells me, such a Negative Assertion cannot be proved : But as 
I esteem the Characters of those Gentlemen, I must and do 
suppose they were hurried to Subscribe, etc. before they had 
time to consider the Day and Time referred to, or the Nature 
of a Negative Evidence. But I hope the Parties will soon be 
brought face to face, and then I doubt not of being rescued 

from the Imputation insinuated, or doing Mr. F n the 

least injustice. 

"C. D." 

Immediately after the conviction of Dr. Evan Jones 
and the Attorney Remington, the latter presented a 
petition to James Logan, President of the Provincial 
Council, asking for mercy in his case. Action was 
taken upon the matter at the Council held February 3, 
1737. The petition and disposition are as follows: 

"A petition of John Remington, Attorney at Law, deliv- 
ered to the President, was by him laid before the Board and 
read, setting forth that the Petitioner was unfortunately de- 

117 



1706— £be jfranhlin KUccntcnar?— 1906 

haled and drawn into the idle Diversion of performing the 
Ceremony of making a free Mason, in Order to which a Sport 
called Snap Dragon was prepared, at which the Petitioner was 
persuaded to be present; that unhappily some of the burning 
Spirit used in this Sport was thrown or spilt on the Breasl 
of one. Daniel Rees, which so burnt or scalded him that in a 
few days after the said Daniel dyed; That Doctor Evan Jones 
had been indicted as Principle for the Murder of the said 
Daniel Bees, & by a Jury of the County was found guilty of 
Manslaughter; Thai the Petitioner was also indicted as aiding 
& abetting the said Evan Jones, and altho' no Evidence did 
or could appear to prove that the Petitioner had any hand in 
the throwing or spilling the said Liquor on the Body of the 
said Daniel, or was privy to any Design or Intention of doing 
harm to the said Daniel, or to any other Person, yet the same 
Jury had brought in a Verdict of Manslaughter likewise 
against the Petitioner, which if put in Execution would tend 
to the utter Ruin of the Petitioner, his Wife, and two small 
children, & therefore humbly praying that the President & 
Council would be pleased to grant him a Pardon ; Whereupon 
the Board are of Opinion that the Petitioner should be par- 
doned the Manslaughter aforesaid, and the burning in the 
hand, which by reason thereof he ought to suffer; But it 
being observed that in the Course of the Tryal a certain 
wieked & irreligious Paper had been produced & read, which 
appeared to have been composed by the said Remington, who 
had made the aforesaid Daniel Rees repeat the same, as part 
of the form to be gone thro' on initiating him as a free 
Mason; the Board then-fore agreed that the Pardon should 
be so restricted as that it might not be pleaded in Bar of any 
Prosecution that should hereafter be commenced against the 
said Remington on account of the said scandalous Paper. 

118 



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Dr. Evan Jones evidently received his well merited 
punishment. It is not known whether any subsequent 
action was ever taken against Remington in regard to 
the said "scandalous Paper." As to Tackerbuey, the 
third defendant, a communication was sent to Brad- 
ford, showing that he was a member of the Fra- 
ternity; unfortunately no record of this letter can be 
found. It is noted in No. 946 of the American Weekly 
Mercury as follows : 

"The Letter signed BOAZ giving an account of Tacker- 
bury's being a Freemason, must be omitted this week." 

A further illustration of the vindictiveness of Brad- 
ford and his abettors at this time in their crusade 
against Franklin and the Freemasons, and to what 
straights they went in seeking to cast obloquy upon 
the Masonic Brotherhood, will be seen from a notice 
in No. 946 of the American Weekly Mercury, Feb- 
ruary 7 to 14, 1737-8, relating to a band of negro 
thieves who are here called a Lodge of Free-Masons. 

An account of the Reese tragedy, together with 
Franklin's alleged participation in it, and the subse- 
quent acrimonious controversy in the local press, in 
due time came to the notice of Franklin's relatives in 
Massachusetts, and caused much concern to his 
mother. Letters were written to him by the family, 
asking for an explanation regarding his connection 
with the Masonic Fraternity, and setting forth the 
worry this matter was causing his mother. 

8 119 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

These letters were a source of considerable worry 
to Franklin, as the different entries in his Common- 
place Book show. Thus, upon one page, we find : 

"Unless she will believe me when I assure her thay they 
are in general a very harmless sort of People; and have no 
principles or Practices that are inconsistent with Religion 
or good manners." 

Upon another page we find: 

"As to the Freemasons I know of no way of giving my 
Mother a better Opinion of them than she seems to have, at 
present (since it is not allowed that women should be ad- 
mitted into that Secret Society). She has, I must confess, 
on that account, some reason to be displeas'd with it, but 
for any thing else, I must entreat her to suspend her Judg- 
ment till she is better inform 'd (and in the meantime exer- 
cise her charity, as I do of the with regard to the Arians & 
Arminians she seems so angry with, of whom I know as 
little as she of the Freemasons, and have thereby.) " 

Facsimiles of these two entries are shown upon 
pages 121 and 124. 

From these various thoughts and memoranda jotted 
down upon the pages of his blotter, Franklin finally 
constructed the letter to his father, Josiah Franklin, 
sent under date April 13, 1738. As this letter is 
the only one, so far as known to the writer, excepting 
the Price correspondence, which has come down to us, 
wherein Franklin makes mention of Freemasonry, it 
is here reproduced in full : 

"Honored Father: "Philadelphia, 13 April, 1738. 

"I have your favors of the 21st of March, in which you 
both seem conserned lest I have imbibed some erroneous 

120 




V fit. V 

v 





Pk^ 



f* 





1706— ^be jfranfcltn Bicentenary— 1906 

opinions. Doubtless I have my share; and when the natural 
weakness and imperfection of human understanding is con- 
sidered, the unavoidable influence of education, custom, books 
and company upon our ways of thinking, I imagine a man 
must have a good deal of vanity who believes and a good deal 
of boldness who affirms, that all the doctrines he holds are true, 
and all he rejects are false. And perhaps the same may be 
justly said of every sect, church and society of men, when 
they assume to themselves that infallibility which they deny 
to the Pope and councils. 

"I think opions should be judged of by their influences 
and effects; and if a man holds none that tend to make him 
less virtuous or more vicious, it may be concluded he holds 
none that are dangerous ; which I hope is the case with me. 

"I am sorry you should have any uneasiness on my account; 
and if it were a thing possible for one to alter his opinions to 
please another, I know none whom I ought more willingly 
to oblige in that respect than yourselves. But since it is no 
more in a mans power to think than to look like another, me- 
thinks all that should be expected of me is to keep my mind 
open to conviction, to hear patiently and examine attentively 
whatever is offered me for that end; and, if after all I 
continue in the same errors, I believe your usual charity will 
induce you to rather pity and excuse, than blame me. In the 
meantime your care and concern for me is what I am very 
thankful for. 

"My mother grieves that one of her sons is an Arian, 
another an Arminian. What an Arminian or an Arian is, I 
cannot say that I very well know. The truth is that I make 
such distinctions very little my study. I think vital religion 
has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than 
virtue; and the scriptures assure me that at the last day we 
shall not be examined what we thought but what we did; 

122 



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and our recommendation will not be what we said, Lord ! Lord ■ 
but that we did good to our fellow creatures. See Matt. XXV. 
"As to the freemasons, I know no way of giving my mother 
a better account of them than she seems to have at present 
since it is not allowed that women should be admitted into 
that secret society. She has, I must confess, on that account 
some reason to be displeased with it; but for anything else 
I must entreat her to suspend her judgment until she is better 
informed, unless she will believe me when I assure her that 
they are in general a very harmless sort of people, and have 
no principles or practices that are inconsistent with religion 
and good manners. 

"We have had great rains here lately, which, with the 
thawing of snow on the mountains back of our country have 
made vast floods in our rivers, and, by carrying away bridges, 
boats, &c, made traveling almost impractical for a week past,' 
so that our post has entirely missed making one trip 

"I hear nothing of Dr. Crook, nor can I learn any such 
person has ever been here. 

"I hope my sister Jenny's child is by this time recovered 
I am your dutiful son. . . B . Franklin _ , > 

This letter was at once answered by both Frank- 
lin's mother and father; again referring to his Com- 
mon-place Book we find the following draft of letter 
in reply: 47 

"Hon. Father, 

"I received your kind letter of the 4th of May in answer 
to mine of April 13th. I wrote that of mine with design to 
remove or lessen the uneasiness you and my Mother appear'd 
to be under on account of my Principles, and it gave me great 
Pleasure when she declared in her next to me that she ap- 
proved of my Letter and was satisfy 'd with me." 

" This letter has never been published. 

123 








124 



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During this year, two other items of Masonic in- 
terest were published by Franklin, both appearing 
in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 480, February 15 to 
21, 1737-8. One relates to the Masonic lodge in New 
York, the other one tells of a Masonic celebration in 
Charlestown, South Carolina, where Freemasonry had 
been introducd as early as 1731 or 2, by Brother 
Thomas Whitemaesh, a partner of Franklin and fel- 
low member of St. John's Lodge, who had gone to 
Charleston, to set up a press and establish a branch 
printing office. 

On the following St. John the Baptist's Day, June 
24, 1738, Joseph Shippen was chosen Provincial 
Grand Master, and appointed Brother Philip Syng 
Deputy; and Dr. Thomas Cadwalader and Thomas 
Boude were chosen Grand Wardens, and it is so noted 
by Franklin in his Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 499, 
June 29 to July 6, 1738. 

During the next year, 1739, we find no notice of 
the local Lodges. There are, however, two reprints 
from London, one relating to the burning of a Free- 
mason in Rome, the other to the appointment of Lord 
Raymond as Grand Master. Nor is there any notice 
of local import during the year 1740. 

The fact of these omissions must not be taken 
as any proof of decadence in Freemasonry or any 
lack of interest in the Craft by Franklin. These 
were troublesome times. There was a controversy in 
the Assembly about an increase of a paper-money- 



125 



1706— ^bc jfranftlin Bicentenary— 1906 

issue. Then we have the outbreak of a war with 
Spain, and political internal troubles, in all of which 
Franklin was an active factor. As a matter of fact, 
it was one of the most unhappy periods in the early 
history of Philadelphia. Discontent, wars, rumors of 
wars, pestilence, famine and distress among the poor, 
and dissensions among the rich. 

Before passing what may be called the gloomiest 
period of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Moderns, 
it may be well to note the founding of the Charity 
School in 1740, which it is claimed was the real origin 
of the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was in 
this as well as the subsequent movement for higher 
education, which materialized a decade later. 

The original memorandum relative to the beginning 
of the building, which stood on Fourth Street below 
Arch Street, is in the Collection of the Historical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania. It is in the handwriting of 
Brother Edmund Wooley, and sets forth that in 1740 
he drew the plans, and on June 14th staked out the 
foundations of the house. This unique account is 
here reproduced in facsimile. (See opposite page.) 

This charitable movement to establish free schools 
in the Province was strenuously opposed in some 
quarters as it was held to be a mere scheme of the 
Freemasons. One of the chief opponents was Chris- 
topher Sauer, the erratic Germantown printer, who 
so bitterly objected to this school system, to further 
arouse the German element against the scheme, beside 

126 



£be Celebration 



the notices in his paper and almanac, writes to 
Conrad Weiser, the Indian interpreter: 



«M 








127 



1706— £be ffranklm Bicentenary— 1906 

"The people who are promoters of the free schools are 
Grand Masters and wardens among the Freemasons, their 
very pillars." 

"What greater compliment than this could have been 
given to the Freemasons of that day! The crotchety 
German printer intended the above as a disparage- 
ment ; time has proven the contrary. 

That the Grand Lodge, however, lived through this 
trying period is shown by the fact that on June 
25, 1741, the Brethren met in the regular manner, 
and held an election for Grand Officers to serve dur- 
ing the ensuing Masonic year. This is noted by 
Franklin as follows: 

"Yesterday, at a Grand Lodge of FREE and ACCEPTED 
MASONS, held for the Province of Pennsylvania in the 
Indian King, in this city, Mr. Philip Syng was chosen GRAND 
MASTER for the year ensuing; Mr. Thomas Bounde 
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, and Mr. Lambert Emerson 
and Dr. Thomas Bond Grand Wardens." 

Franklin, who had entered public life in 1736, was 
appointed Postmaster General in 1737, and between 
his private business, official duties, bookstore, alma- 
nack, private ventures, library, Union Fire Company, 
associations, Junto, and last but not least, his Lodge, 
could give but little attention to the minor particulars 
of his newspaper, except an occasional editorial. The 
management of the paper was left almost entirely 
in the hands of his assistants, who were not Masons, 
and had no interest in publishing the annual proceed- 

128 



Ebe Celebration 



ings. This fact may possibly account for the lack of 
local Masonic news in the Pennsylvania Gazette of 
those years. 

Franklin, who sought entrance into public life, the 
better to further his favoring fortunes, was chosen 
clerk of the General Assembly in October, 1736. In 
his Autobiography he makes no secret of the reasons 
for wishing the office ; he says : 

"Besides the pay for the immediate service as clerk, the 
place gave me a better opportunity of keeping up an inter- 
est among the Members, which secured to me the business of 
printing the votes, laws, paper money and other occasional 
jobbs for the public, that on the whole were very profitable. ' ' 

After the scurrilous publications printed in Brad- 
ford 's American Weekly Mercury early in 1738, there 
appear to be no references to the Craft, or items of 
Masonic import in Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette, 
except the three above noted. The last of these ap- 
peared June 25, 1741, announcing the election of 
Brother Syng as Grand Master. During the next 
eventful fourteen years no mention whatever is made 
to the Craft either in the reading or advertising 
columns. 

That Franklin, however, still maintained his in- 
terest and prominence is shown by the following entry 
in the Records of the First Lodge (St. John's) in 
Boston: 478 



" Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1733-1792 p 
390. ' F ' 



129 



1706— Gbe jfranklin Kwccntenar?— 1906 

"Wednesday, May 25 th ., 1743. Being Lodge Night the fol- 
lowing Brethren Met. 

"The Rt. Worship 1 Bro : H : Price M. pro : 

Bro : Benj : Franklin of Phila. etc. ' ' 

From the fact that no notice whatever was made 
in public print of Franklin's appointment as Provin- 
cial Grand Master in 1749, or the succession of Wil- 
liam Allen to the same office in 1750, leads the 
writer to conclude that this omission was by special 
action of the Fraternity, who did not want publicity 
given to their internal affairs under any conditions, 
the members being notified by "Tickets" at the hands 
of the Tyler, as appears by the minute book of the 
Tun Tavern Lodge. This opinion is further strength- 
ened by the fact that in the extended account of the 
public dedication of Freemason Hall in 1755, not a 
single participant is mentioned by name in the public 
prints of the day. 

How active a man Franklin was during this period 
of his eventful life, is shown by the fact that, in addi- 
tion to filling the position of Postmaster, clerk of the 
Assembly and other duties, he was appointed and 
served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 

1741. together with James Parker, established a 

branch printing office in New York. 

1742. invented the Franklin Open Stove. 

1743. issued "Proposals for Promoting Useful Knowl- 

edge Among the British Plantations in Amer- 
ica" which resulted in the formation in the 

130 



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same year of the American Philosophical So- 
ciety, of which he became the Secretary. 

1744. published an "Account of the newly invented 

Pennsylvania Fireplaces. ' ' 

1745. began his experiments in electricity. 

1747. propounded his celebrated theory of electricity, 
published "Plain Truth," in which he exhorted 

his fellow citizens to bear arms in self de- 
fense. 

1748. was chosen a member of the Council of Phila- 

delphia. 

1749. was appointed Provincial Grand Master of Penn- 

sylvania and retired from active business as 
a printer. 

On September 23, 1743, the Right Honorable John 
Ward, Grand Master of England, nominated Thomas 
Oxnard, Esq., Provincial Grand Master of all North 
America, who, on the tenth of July, 1749, appointed 
Benjamin Franklin Provincial Grand Master of 
Pennsylvania, with authority to appoint other Grand 
Officers, hold a Grand Lodge, issue warrants, etc. 

On the 5th of September, 1749, the first Grand 
Lodge under this warrant was held at the house of 
Brother Henry Pratt, the "Royal Standard," on 
Market Street near Second, Grand Master Franklin 
having appointed 

Dr. Thomas Bond, Deputy Grand Master. 

Joseph Shippen, P. G. M., Senior Grand Warden. 

Philip Syng, P. G. M., Junior Grand Warden. 

Wm. Plumstead, P. G. M., Grand Treasurer. 

Daniel Byles, Grand Secretary. 

131 



1706— Gbe jfranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

It will be noted that all of Franklin's appoint- 
ments, with a single exception, were members of old 
St. John's Lodge and the first Grand Lodge. 

Among the important actions taken by this Grand 
Lodge at their first regular meeting under this 
warrant, was the granting of a warrant to Brother 
James Polgreen and others for a new Lodge to be 
held in Philadelphia. This document was signed by 
"William Lord Byron, Baron of Rochdale, in the 
County of Lancaster G. M. " 

This Lodge, whose Lodge ledger 48 with a roll of 
membership has fortunately come down to us, for a 
time was known as the "First" Lodge, as its charter 
was the first granted under this new warrant, but as 
a matter of fact St. John's Lodge was number one. 
"First" Lodge, however soon became number two, 
while the Tun Tavern Lodge stood third upon the 
roster of the Grand Lodge. 

William Franklin, natural son of Benjamin, was 
made in this Lodge and became an active member 
thereof. 

It was during this term as Provincial Grand Master 
that Franklin published his "Proposals relating to 
the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania" which led 
to the formation of the College (afterwards the Uni- 
versity) of Pennsylvania. 

8 This Ledger of Lodge No. 2 is now in the Library of the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia; also one of 
the aprons and sashes worn by the members. 

132 



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The Trustees of the new movement met on Monday, 
November 13, 1749, for organization; among the 
number were seven members of St. John's Lodge, all 
of whom had served as Grand Masters of the Pro- 
vincial Grand Lodge; viz: William Allen, Thomas 
Bond, Benjamin Feanklin, Thomas Hopkinson, 
James Hamilton, William Plumstead and Philip 
Syng, of whom Provincial Grand Master Brother 
Benjamin Franklin was elected as first president of 
the Board of Trustees at that meeting. 

That the Subordinate Lodges of Pennsylvania were 
not dormant during this period, is shown by the fact 
that there were three regular constituted Lodges work- 
ing in Philadelphia at that time, beside one or more 
clandestine ones, these facts being shown to us by the 
minute book of the Tun Tavern Lodge which met at 
the Tun Tavern on Water Street. 

This book, the oldest American Masonic minute 
book known, commences June 28, 1749 and ends June 
27, 1755. A complete facsimile copy of this book is 
now in our possession. It was, however, not the first 
or earliest minute book of the Lodge, as the entries 
upon the first page refer to work done at previous 
meetings. 

During the course of the year when the Brethren of 
the Tun Tavern Lodge heard of the appointment of 
Brother Feanklin as Provincial Grand Master, wish- 
ing to be absolutely regular, at the meeting on 

133 



1706— £be ifranftlm Bicentenary— 1906 

August 29, 1749, the following motion was made 
by Brother Mullen: 

"That a petition be sent to Mr. Benjamin Franklin, Pro- 
vincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania, to grant us a deputa- 
tion under his sanction." 

The Worshipful Master, Brother Griffin, there- 
upon appointed Brothers Vidal, Corffe and Mullan 
to draw up the same, and to present it. (See page 135.) 

The petition was doubtless presented and acted upon 
at the meeting of the Grand Lodge in the following 
September. No report from the Committee, however, 
appears upon the minutes. 

Franklin's term as Provincial Grand Master was 
of short duration, as, at the Communication of the 
Grand Lodge, held March 13, 1750, William Allen, 
Esq., then the Recorder of the City of Philadelphia, 
presented to the Grand Lodge a commission direct 
from the Grand Master of all England, appointing 
him Provincial Grand Master, which was recognized, 
and he appointed Benjamin Franklin Deputy Grand 
Master, which position he retained even after his 
departure for England in 1757 as the Agent of the 
Assembly, to present a petition to Parliament and to 
urge the rights of the Province. 

In the minutes subsequently quoted, dated No- 
vember 17, 1760, his name is entered "Franklin Esq. 
P. G. M. of Philadelphia." In England the appoint- 
ment of Provincial Grand Master is vested in the 

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Gbc Celebration 



Jlwrrvj-t J«> 
Axctr-dtr^Ctf /£> SZt.aA.f~ tm^e*. *»t- ivuu J*irm~, 

Minutes of the Tun Tavern Lodge, Showing Petition to Franklin 
as Provincial Grand Master for a "Deputation Under His Sanc- 
tion," A. D. 1749. 

9 135 



1706— Gbe jfranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

Grand Master for the time being, and requires no 
confirmation by the Grand Lodge. This accounts for 
the summary appointment of William Allen by the 
Grand Master. 

While Franklin was Deputy Grand Master, he was 
re-elected to the Assembly of Pennsylvania in 1750, 
for the fourteenth time. In 1751, he promoted the 
founding of the Pennsylvania Hospital, serving as 
clerk and subsequently as president of its Board of 
Managers. 

In April, 1752, he aided in establishing the first 
company in America for insuring against loss by 
fire— the Philadelphia Contributorship for the In- 
surance of Houses from Loss by Fire. It was in 
June of this year, that Franklin made his celebrated 
kite experiments and discharged electricity from the 
clouds. In 1753, he recommended that pointed rods 
be placed on buildings to prevent their being struck 
by lightning. 

In 1754, at Albany, Franklin presented his cele- 
brated plan for the union of all colonies under one 
government. 

It will be seen— though it may only be a strange 
coincidence— that all of the many useful institutions 
which Franklin originated or was instrumental in 
promoting, date within the periods in which he held 
an exalted Masonic office. 

Referring once again to the old minute book of 
Tun Tavern Lodge we find that "At the lodge held 

136 



£bc Celebration 



October 11, 1752," William Franklin is present as 
a visitor. 

At the next regular meeting, October 25, 1752, the 
name of Franklin again appears among the list of 
visitors, but unfortunately fails to state whether it 
was father or son. The name of Brother Edmund 
Woolley, who did the carpenter work on Independ- 
ence Hall, and built the steeple in 1741, and hung 
the bell that proclaimed liberty throughout the land, 
also appears among the visitors of the old Tun Tavern 
Lodge. 

Two years later Franklin, while on a visit to the 
city of his birth, attended the Grand Lodge of Massa- 
chusetts; viz: 

"At the Quarterly Communication of October 11, 1754, at 
Concert Hall, Benjamin Franklin was present, and his name 
is recorded in full at the head of the list of visitors (to Saint 
John's Grand Lodge) on that occasion. This shows the 
steem in which the Massachusetts Brethren held our Pro- 
vincial Grand Master, also that he attended the Boston Lodge 
whenever opportunity offered. ' ' 49 

The meeting place of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- 
vania remained at the "Royal Standard" for some 
years, when the membership increasing it was pro- 
posed, early in the year 1752, by some Brethren, after 
ample deliberation, that it would be to the interest of 
Freemasonry to have a building exclusively for Ma- 
sonic purposes. This resulted in the selection of a 

" Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1871, p. 361. 

137 



1706— £be jfranfeltn Bicentenary— 1906 



site on the south side of Norris (Lodge) Alley, now 
Sansom Street, 89 feet 9 inches west of Second 
Street having a depth of 60 feet and a width of 
42 feet. 

At the meeting, held March 12th, 1752, a com- 
mittee was appointed for building the "Lodge"; 
this committee consisted of the following Brethren: 
Thomas Bond, P. G. M., William Plumsted, P. G. M., 
John Wallace, Richard Hill, Edward Shippen, 
John Swift, William Franklin, Samuel Mifflin 
and Daniel Roberdeau. 

A subscription list was also circulated with a 
gratifying result. The original document has been 
preserved and is now in our Grand Lodge Library. 
It is dated March 13, 1754, eight of the contributors 
being early members of First or St. John's Lodge. 

On April 25 of the year (1754), died Thomas 
Oxnard, of Boston, who, as Grand Master of North 
America, had appointed Franklin Provincial Grand 
Master of Pennsylvania in July, 1749. 

Franklin published following obituary notice: 

(From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 1333. July 11, 1754.) 

"BOSTON, July 1. 
"On Tuesday last departed this Life, after a lingering 
Sickness, in the Fifty-first Year of his Age, the Right Wor- 
shipful THOMAS OXNARD, Esq., Grand Master of the 
Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons in North America : A Gentleman whose Loss is not only 

deplored by the Fraternity, over which for eleven Years he 

138 



Gbe Celebration 



presided, but by all those who had enjoyed the Pleasure 
of his Acquaintance. He was an experienced Merchant, an 
upright Dealer, an affectionate Husband, a tender Father, 
a sincere Friend, a kind Master. He was free from Bigotry 
and Enthusiasm, and his Religion, on the Duties of which 
he constantly attended, was truly Catholick. The news of 
his approaching Death was received by him with Composure 
and Resignation ; he set his House in Order, and, in Expecta- 
tion of a better Life, he bore the last Agonies of this with a 
most Christian Fortitude. Reader, wouldst thou shine in 
these amiable Virtues, imitate him. 

"His Corps was attended to the Grave last Friday by a 
numerous Train of Relations, of Free and Accepted Masons, 
Friends and Acquaintances. The Free and Accepted Masons 
dressed in black, and cloath'd with white Aprons and Gloves, 
walk 'd before in a Procession of two, with the Grand Master 's 
Jewel, usually worn by him, pendant from the Ribbon, on a 
tassel 'd black Velvet Cushion, carried next to the Corps. 
Immediately before the Cushion walk'd the Deputy Grand 
Master, with the Grand Wardens, the past Grand Officers, and 
other Officers of the Grand Lodge, the Masters, Wardens and 
Officers of the other Lodges in Town in their Order: All 
the Masters and Wardens with their Jewels pendant upon 
black Ribbons. After the Interment, the Fraternity walked 
before the Relations, and return 'd with them to the Man- 
sion House of the Deceased, where they took their leave. The 
whole Attendance was conducted thro' a vast Number of 
Spectators with great Order and Decency." 

The plan for a Masonic building in which all the 
City Lodges should meet was not approved by all of 
the Lodges. The plan originated with the Grand 
Lodge and First (St. John's) Lodge, and was evi- 

139 



1706— <Xbe ifranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

dently endorsed by one of the two remaining Lodges, 
but was strenuously opposed by the Tun Tavern 
Lodge, the members of which clung with tenacity to 
their old meeting place, so redolent with good cheer 
and associations. Thus among the list of subscribers 
we fail to find the name of a single member of this 
Lodge. 

Referring once again to the old Lodge book, we find 
following minutes: 

"At a Lodge held ye 27th Decem r 1754 being the Anni- 
versary of St. John the Evangelist: — 

"The Question being put whether, or not this Lodge shall 
be removed to ye New Lodge lately erected. 

"Ballotted for pass a in ye Negative." 

Six months later, however, at the very last moment 
better counsel seemed to prevail as is shown by what 
proved to be the next to the last entry in the book. 

"At a Lodge held ye 24th June 1755 at six o'clock in ye 
morning. 

"The Lodge opened and choose all the old officers for ye 
Ensuing Six Mo 8 and adjourned to the Lodge Hall in order 
to join the procession appointed for this day." 

Fourteen years had now elapsed almost to a day, 
since the last Masonic announcement appeared in 
Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette. At last in his 
issue of June 20, 1755, the long silence was broken 
for an extraordinary occasion: 

140 



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"By Order of the GRAND MASTER, 50 

"THE Grand Annual Feast and general Communication of 
the FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS, is to be holden in 
Philadelphia, on Tuesday the Twenty-fourth of June, instant, 
being St. JOHN the Baptist's Day. All BROTHERS are 
desired to provide themselves with Tickets (as none can be 
admitted without them) and to meet that Day, by Eight 
o'Clock in the Morning precisely at the Lodge-Room, in 
order to attend the Grand Master and his Officers to Church, 
where a sermon is to be preached by a Reverend Brother; 
whence they are to return in Procession, to the Lodge-Room, 
where a decent and suitable Entertainment will be provided. 
"No Tickets to be given out after Twelve a Clock on Mon- 
day next, till which time they may be had of 

"WILLIAM MOORE," 

"JOHN SWIFT, 

"EMANUEL ROUSE, 
"June 20, A.M. 5755, "JACOB WINEY, 

"WALTER SHEA, 

"HUGH DONALSON. 

Tuesday, June 24, 1755, St. John the Baptist's Day, 
was destined to be the greatest gala day in the 
history of Pennsylvania Freemasonry in Colonial 
times. This was the day set for the dedication of the 
new Freemasons' "Lodge," the first Masonic build- 
ing in America, the title of which was vested in the 
three Lodges. At the same time this was the first 



Stewards. ' 



80 The Pennsylvania Gazette. No. 1382, June 20, 1755 (p. 2). 
From the wording of this advertisement it would appear that the 
annual gathering and feast was not an unusual event, but rather one 
of annual re-occurrence. 

141 



1706— £be jfranfcltn Bicentenary— 1906 

Grand Anniversary and General Communication of 
Free and Accepted Masons held in the Lodge room 
in Philadelphia, where the Grand Lodge and the three 
regular Subordinate Lodges met together at one time; 
no less than one hundred and thirty Brethren were 
present upon this festive occasion, at which Benjamin 
Franklin was a prominent factor. 

On Tuesday, June 24, 1755, as the old record states 
"being the Grand Anniversary or Feast of ST. JOHN the 
Baptist, the Brethren of that most ancient and worshipful 
Society, the FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS, went in a 
regular Procession from the Lodge Room to attend Divine 
Service at Christ Church, in this city. The Order in which 
they proceeded, was as follows : 

I. The Sword Bearer, carrying a drawn sword. 
II. Six Stewards with white rods. 

Bro. William Moore ) 
{( , . „ ... \ First Lodge. 

John Swift ) 

" Emanuel Rouse ) 

" Jacob Viney \^^ ^d g e. 

" Walter Shea 
" Hugh Donaldson 
walking two and two. 



[• Tun Tavern Lodge. 



III. The Grand Secretary William Franklin, who bore a 

crimson damask cushion, on which was laid an 
open Bible. 
The Grand Treasurer William Plumsted, Esq., also 
with a crimson damask cushion upon which was 
the Book of Constitutions. 

IV. Grand Chaplain Rev. William Smith. 

142 



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N V X v J; | v. . 

; i 


: 






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• 



• 






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13 

a 
O ' 



\ 





Gbe Celebration 



V. The Grand Master William Allen, Esq., supported by 
Bros. Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Esq. and James 
Hamilton, two Brethren of Rank and Distinction. 
VI. The Deputy Grand Master Benjamin Franklin Esq., 
supported in like manner by Bros. Dr. Thomas 
Cadwalader Esq. and Thomas Boude. 
VII. The two Grand Wardens. 

Dr. Thomas Bond, Senior Grand Warden. 
Joseph Shippen, Junior " " 

VIII. His Excellency John Tinker, Esq., Governor of 
Providence. 
John Penn, Esq. 

IX. Three Tylers— Carrying Columnes of the three orders 
— Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. 

X. The Three Worshipful Masters of the three regular 
lodges in this city. 

XL The two Wardens of the first lodge. 

XII. " " " » » second " 

XIII. " " " « « third " 

XIV. The three Secretaries of the three Lodges. 
XV. " " Treasurers " " " 

XVI. The visiting brethren walking two and two. 
XVII. The Members of the First, Second and Third Lodges, 
two and two. 
XVIII. Six Stewards, with their Rods, two and two. 
XIX. The Grand Master's, Governor Morris's, Governor 
Tinker's and others of the Brethren Coaches and 
Chariots, empty. 

The whole Number of Masons amounted to 127, who being 
all new cloathed with Aprons, white Gloves and Stockings, 
and the Officers in the proper Cloathing and Jewels of their 

143 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

respective Lodges, with their other Badges of Dignity, made 
a handsome and genteel Appearance. 

"When the Procession came into Market Street, both in 
going to, and coming from the Church, they were saluted by 
a Discharge of Nine Cannon from a Brother's Vessel, hand- 
somely ornamented with Colours, which lay opposite the said 
Street, for that Purpose. 

"The Procession enter 'd the Church in the Order of their 
March, and the Brethren seated themselves in the Pews of the 
middle Isle, which were purposely kept empty for them. After 
which Prayers were read by the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Jenney, 
and a most excellent and well adapted Sermon was preached 
by our reverend and worthy Brother WILLIAM SMITH 
A.M. The Words of the Text were, Love the Brotherhood, 
fear God, honour the King, I. Pet. ii. 17. And the Scope of 
the Discourse was to Shew that the Observance of these three 
Grand Duties is not only the Foundation of the ancient So- 
ciety of Free Masons, but of Societies of every Kind. The 
Preacher therefore first deduced the Obligation to these 
Duties in a clear and philosophical manner, from undeniable 
Principles. He then added many engaging Motives to a 
correspondent Practice, and concluded with an earnest and 
pathetick Exhortation, first to the Audience in general, and 
then to the Fraternity of Masons in particular, to consider 
that in our present critical Situation, our Success and future 
Glory, as a People, depend on our Regard to Religion, Unanim- 
ity among ourselves, and a firm Attachment to our civil 
Privileges, and to our gracious King, who is the just Guardian 
of them. — Both before and after Sermon, Psalms were sung 
suitable to the Occasion. 

"After Divine Service was over, the Procession returned in 
the same Order to the Lodge Room to Dinner; the musical 
Bells belonging to the Church, and the Band of Musick before 

144 



£be Celebration 



them, at the same time playing the Tune of the Enter'd 
Apprentice's Song. The whole ceremony was conducted with 
the utmost Decorum and Solemnity, and, as we hear, afforded 
great Satisfaction to the Inhabitants in general. 

"After Dinner, the following Toasts were drank in the 
Masonic Manner, under repeated Discharges of Cannon, 
planted in the Square adjoining the Lodge Room. 

"1. The KING and the CEAFT. 

"2. The GRAND MASTER of England. 

' ' 3. Our Brother FRANCIS, Emperor of Germany. 

"4. The GRAND MASTER of Pennsylvania. 

"5. Our Brother, His Honour the Governor of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

"6. Our Brother, His Excellency John Tinker, Esq., Gov- 
ernor of Providence, returning him, Thanks for this his kind 
Visit. 

"7. The GRAND MASTER of Scotland. 

"8. The GRAND MASTER of Ireland. 

"9. The Several Provincial GRAND MASTERS of North 
America and the West India Islands. 

"10. All charitable Masons. 

"11. All true and faithful Masons, wheresoever dispersed 
or distressed, throughout the Globe. 

"12. The Arts and Sciences. 

"13. General BRADDOCK, and Sttccess to His Majesty's 
Forces. 

"14. Prosperity to Pennsylvania, and a Happy Union to 
His Majesty's Colonies. 

"The greatest Order and Regularity was observed, Chear- 
fulness, Harmony, and good Fellowship abounded, during the 
whole Time of Meeting ; and at Five a Clock in the Afternoon, 
the Grand Master having closed the Lodge, the Brethren re- 
turn 'd to their respective Homes. 

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1706— Gbe jfranfcltn Bicentenary— 1906 

"N. B. Before the Lodge was closed, the Grand Master, 
at the Desire, and in the Name and Behalf of the Grand Lodge, 
and the Masters and Brethren of the three regular Lodges, 
off i red the following resolution, which was unanimously agreed 
to:— 
' ' Agreed : 

"That the thanks of this General Communication be given 
to our Reverend Brother, Mr. William Smith, for his Sermon, 
preached this day, before the Fraternity of Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons in this city, and that he be requested to give a 
copy of the same for the Press. 

"William Franklin, Grand Secretary." 

It was further requested that a copy of this sermon 
might be immediately sent to the press; that this 
request was complied with by Brother Smith, and no 
time was lost by the printer, is shown by the adver- 
tisement which appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette 
for the following week: 

Just published, and sold at the New-Printing Office, in Market 

street, 

(Price Nine-pence.) 

A SERMON, preached in CHRIST CHURCH, 
PHILADELPHIA; before the Provincial GRAND 
MASTER, and GENERAL Communication of 
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS. On Tuesday 
the 24th of June, 1755, being the Grand Anniversary 
of St. JOHN, the Baptist. 

We know, where Faith, Law, Morals, all began, 

All end, — in Love of God, and Love of Man. POPE. 

By WILLIAM SMITH, M. A. Provost of the College 
and Academy of Philadelphia. 

146 



£be Celebration 



(Prom the Pennsylvania Gazette. No. 1384, July 3, 1755, p. 3.) 

The book was an octavo of 24 pages. The title 
was as set forth in the advertisement, with the addi- 
tion of the imprint— 

| Philadelphia: | 

Printed and sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall, 1755 

It was dedicated by the author: 

"To the Right Worshipful. | the Provincial Grand Mas- 
ter Deputy Grand Master, | Grand Wardens, | and | Members 
of the Grand Lodge, | and to the Masters, Wardens and 
Members | of the | Three Regular Lodges | of | Free and 
Accepted Masons, | in Philadelphia, | this Sermon, | preached 
and published at their request, is | dedicated, | by | their faith- 
ful brother and | most affectionate humble servant, | William 
Smith." 

The following extract from the diary of Daniel 
Fisher, who was then serving as a clerk in Frank- 
lin's printing office gives an interesting description of 
that gala day : 

"From June 16 to July 10:1755, employed generally in 
writing or sorting Papers at the Printing Office, I should 
observe that on St. John the Baptist Day (June 24) there was 
the Greatest Procession of Free Masons to the Church and 
their Lodge, in Second Street that was ever seen in America. 
No less than 160 being in the Procession in Gloves. Aprons, 
etc., attended by a band of Music. Mr. Allin, the Grand 
Master, honoring them with his company, as did the Deputy 
Grand Master, Mr. Benjamin Franklin and his Son, Mr. 
William Franklin, who walked as the next Chief Officer. A 
Sword Bearer with a Naked Sword drawn headed the Pro- 

147 



1706— Gbc jfranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

cession. They dined together elegantly, as it is said at their 
hall upon Turtle, etc.'' 

The success of the Fraternity, and renewed activity 
incident to the completion and dedication of Free- 
masons' Hall, again excited the ire of the anti-Masonic 
element of the day; this broke out in open attacks in 
different quarters, among others was our old Ger- 
man opponent, Christopher Saxjer the Germantown 
printer, who to absolutely crush the Freemasons, as 
he imagined, published in his German Almanac for 
1755, what he alleged was a complete expose of the 
secrets of the Fraternity. This was printed in the 
colloquial style of the period, and was clearly an 
emanation of his erratic brain. That Sauer's opposi- 
tion did not have the desired effect, is shown by the 
names of German Brethren both clerical and secular 
upon the roster of the Tun Tavern Lodge. 

The story of Freemasons' Hall in Philadelphia, the 
first building in the world to be erected and dedicated 
to the uses of Freemasonry, is an interesting one, as 
it had an eventful history. It was a three story brick 
building, on the south side of Lodge Alley, now 
Sansom Street, west of Second Street, having a front 
of 42 feet and a depth of 60 feet. The original sub- 
scription list for this Hall is still in existence, and 
may be seen in the Library of the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania ; a reduced facsimile is here reproduced. 
It is dated Philadelphia, March 13, 1754, and recites 
that the movement was inaugurated on the 12th day of 

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March, 1752, by "the Grand and first Lodges." 
Among the subscribers' names are those of Brothers 
Past Grand Master Benjamin Franklin, Grand Sec- 
retary William Franklin, Past Senior Grand War- 
den Thomas Boude, Past Grand Master James Hamil- 
ton, Past Grand Master William Plumstead, John 
Swift, Daniel Roberdeau, Edward Shippen and Wil- 
liam Moore. The title was vested in the Trustees of 
the three Lodges at that time meeting in Philadelphia. 
The last printed Masonic record relating to this 
Hall appeared in the Pennsylvania Journal, Thurs- 
day, June 19, 1760, No. 915, page 3 : 

"The members of the Antient and Honorable Society of 
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS belonging to the regular 
Constituted Lodge No. 3, (called the Tun Lodge) are desired 
to meet, on Tuesday, the 24th Instant, at 12 o'clock, at the 
Lodge, to nominate Officers, pursuant to their Bye-Laws, 
and Commemorate and Celebrate the Anniversary of their 
pious Patron, Saint John the Baptist. ' ' John Reily, 

"Secry." 

The banqueting l'oom of this Hall was frequently 
used for public purposes. It was styled the "As- 
sembly Room," and here the fashionable dancing as- 
semblies of the City were held. These were man- 
aged by the elite of society, and no one was permitted 
to subscribe unless he or she was "highly respectable." 
In February, 1767, a schoolmaster named Garner 
gave a charity concert there. In November, 1770, 
Signor Gualdo notified the public, that "immediately 

149 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

after the races, on December 27, he would give a 
Vocal and Instrumental Concert at the Masons' Lodge, 
Eoom." In the year 1777, the Freemasons' Lodge was 
used as a prison for a number of Quakers suspected of 
disloyalty to the Colonies in their contest with Great 
Britain. Twenty-one Quakers were there imprisoned 
from August 29 to September 10, 1777. At that time it 
was still publicly known as the ' ' Masons ' Lodge. ' ' The 
last official Masonic meeting in the old Hall, was a meet- 
ing of the subscribers held Monday evening, February 
25, 1782, to consider the final disposition of the Hall 
and of its affairs. The end came in 1785, when 
Brothers Edward Shippen and John Swift, the sur- 
viving Trustees, were, by Act of Assembly passed 
September 5, 1785, empowered to sell the building 
and lot. 503 One-third of the proceeds of sale belonged 
to the "First Lodge," and the remaining two-thirds 
to various individual Freemasons. The sum realized 
for the "First Lodge" was £500. This, in 1793, was 
made over to the "City Corporation," to form a fuud 
for the purchase of fuel for the poor. Thus passed 
away the last monument of the existence of "Modern" 
Masonry in Pennsylvania, which, faithful to the in- 
stincts of Freemasonry, in death as in life honored 
the corner-stone of the Craft— Heaven-born charity. 

It is not known to just what uses the building was 
put after it was sold by the Trustees, until it was 

°°* 2 Dallas's Laws, p. 333. Recorded in Law Book II, p. 552. 

150 



abe Celebration 



finally demolished in 1799, when the Bank of Penn- 
sylvania was built on the lot bounded by Second, 
Sansoui, Dock and Moravian Streets, which in turn 
was torn down in 1867, and is now replaced by the 
United States Appraisers' Stores. 

Shortly after the great Masonic Celebration, inci- 
dent to the dedication of Freemasons Hall, in 1755, 
Franklin was appointed Colonel of an emergency 
regiment of foot, raised in Philadelphia. 

In the following year, 1756, he was appointed by the 
Governor Military Commissioner, with full power to 
dismiss and appoint military officers, for Northampton 
County, Pennsylvania. The same year he also intro- 
duced street paving, cleaning and lighting into Phila- 
delphia. 

Yet notwithstanding all of his diverse and multi- 
tudinous duties, Dr. Mease, who evidently had access 
to documents and material now lost to us, tells us in 
his "Picture of Philadelphia" in 1811: 

"As far as the minutes of the Grand Lodge go, Dr. Frank- 
line was never absent from a meeting." 

As before stated, Franklin in 1757 went to Eng- 
land in the interests of the Assembly. 

From a letter found among the Franklin papers 
in the American Philosophical Society, it would ap- 
pear that Franklin was still continued in his position 
as Deputy Grand Master while abroad, or resumed the 
office immediately upon his return in 1762. The letter 

10 151 



1706— Zbc jfranfelin 3Bi*ccntenan>— 1906 

from which the following excerpt is taken was written 
to Franklin by Brother Valentz while in Paris ; it is 
dated July 26, 1777. It further shows that even there 
at that late day Franklin was looked upon as a 
Grand Master of Pennsylvania. An additional matter 
of great importance is that this letter gives us the 
roster of officers of Lodge No. 2, of Philadelphia, for 
1762: 

"Looking upon you not only as a chief person of our Re- 
publican States, but also as Chief of a Certain Respectable 
order, to which I have the honor of belonging ever since the 
year 1762. I am a member, sir, of St. John's Lodge No. 2 in 
Philadelphia having been raised to the Degree of Master under 
the Adm : of Win. Shute, Mr. Emanuel Rouse P :M : John 
Williams S :W : Robt Carson J :W : Win. Ghislin Treasurer 
and Jas. Johnstone Secy : (men which you undoubtedly all 
know) so that now you have an opportunity of not only saving 
a man from Destruction in a strange land, which differs from 
us both in Politick & Religion, but sending back perhaps a 
useful member to our community whom upon closer Inspec- 
tion you will find not altogether unworthy perhaps of your 
Favorable attention," etc., etc. 

Franklin returned to Philadelphia in August, 1762. 
His stay in our midst however was but a short one, 
as in November, 1764, he was again sent to England 
to look after the interests of the Province. This 
time he remained abroad until May 5, 1775. 

It is not known to just what extent Franklin 
affiliated with any of the English or German Masonic 
bodies while abroad. The writer has been unable, 

152 



£be Celebration 



after a long and patient search, to find any official 
record or documents bearing upon this subject, except 
the following entry, referred to above, in the minute 
book of the Grand Lodge of England, wherein it 
states, under date of November 17, 1760: 

"Grand Lodge, at the Crown & Anchor tavern in the Strand 
Present : 

Pranklyn, Esq. provincial grand master of Phila- 
delphia. 

Pranklyn, Esq. provincial grand secretary of Phila- 
delphia." 

It is but natural to be supposed that having served 
as Provincial Grand Master under the jurisdiction of 
the Grand Lodge of England, that there would be 
some affiliation with the local Craft during his so- 
journ in the parent Jurisdiction. 

For some reason, Franklin in his writings and cor- 
respondence is singularly silent upon the subject of 
Freemasonry, the only exceptions known to the writer 
being the Price letters of 1734, and the letter to his 
father before quoted. 

There is not a word of mention about his Masonic 
life to be found in his Autobiography, or in any of 
his other letters that have come down to us; almost 
every other subject is touched upon in his voluminous 
correspondence except such as relate to the Craft. 

In October, 1776, Franklin again started for Eu- 
rope, this time for France as a Commissioner of the 
Continental Congress. In December, Franklin ar- 

153 



1706— Ebc jfranfclin Bicentenary — 1906 



rived in France; he was then in his seventieth year; 
shortly after which commences his remarkable Ma- 
sonic career in France. 

An interesting incident is told by John Jay, which 
powerfully impressed many minds, and is supposed 
to have been one of the chief agencies in the selec- 
tion of Franklin in his old age. as Minister to France. 
lie at that time still being the most prominent and 
venerable Freemason in the Colonies. The story is 
that an old gentleman arrived in Philadelphia shortly 
after Franklin's return from abroad in 177;"). and 
offered to the Congress, then in session, in ^mhI 
Parisian English, the assistance of the King of 
France, in stores, ammunition and money. Being 
asked his name, credentials and other ambassadorial 
baggage, he drew his hand across his throat and said 
politely, but positively, "Gentlemen, 1 shall take care 
of my head." He disappeared the next day from 
Philadelphia, and took such good care of his head that 
the keenest-scented annalists have never discovered 
a trace of him. 

Fraxklix arrived in Paris in November, 177(i. and 
before many months we find him affiliated with one 
of the most important Masonic Lodges under the 
Grand Orient of France. Many of Fraxklin's 
French Masonic notices and invitations have been pre- 
served, and are now in the Collection of the American 
Philosophical Society, and several in that of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania. From these we find that 

154 



£bc Celebration 



Franklin wa- > •!< •-•ted a member of the Lodge of the 
Nine Sisters or Muses (Loge des IX Soeurs) in 
1777 or 1778. 

According to K loss's "History of Freemasonry in 
France," the historian being the Chevaliek de Cubie 
res, and an eye-witness of the event: 

"On February 7th, 1778, the Lodge of the 'Nine Sisters' 
enjoyed the distinction of initiating the Philosopher Voltaire. 
The sponsor was the Abbe Cordier de Saint Firmin. After 
the ballot had been taken, Voltaire entered the Lodge sup- 
ported on one side by Benjamin Franklin, on the other by 
Count de Gebelin. The usual lengthy forms were omitted, 
the tests being all moral ones," etc., etc. 

November 28, 1778, Franklin officiated at a Lodge 
of Sorrow, held in memory of Brother Voltaire. This 
was held under the auspices of the Lodge of Nine 
Sisters (i. e. the Muses), and Franklin is represented 
as laying a wreath upon the cenotaph on behalf of 
the Brethren: 

In one of the letters in the University Collection 
it is stated: 

"La Dixmerie and others of the Lodge of Nine Sisters, on 
the 10th of llmonth in the year of true light 5779 as a com- 
mittee, of the Lodge of Nine Sisters urge Franklin in the 
strongest terms to be present at their public fete to be held on 
the 29th of the month. Nothing else could give the meeting 
such eclat." 

In the year 1782, Franklin served as "Venerable" 
(Worshipful Master) of the Lodge. 

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1700— Zbc Jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1900 



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Notice of Meeting of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters Sent to 

Franklin. 
156 



TABLEAU 
DES OFFICIERS ELUS PAR LA R.\ L.\ 

DES COMMANBEURS DU TEMPLE, 

A L* Cv. DE CARCASSONNE, 

Pour dinger fes Travaux depuis li 24' jour du 4' mois de I'arr de 
G.'. L.\ 5785 , jufqu'a pared jour de tan 5786. 



N.. DE FAMILLE. 



QUAL.-. CIVILES. 



QUAL-. MA(JONIQUES. 



F.\ Lb Docteubt Fran- 
kxin, 

F.\ Db Vaiette , 

F.\ Astoin, 

F.\ L'Abbe" Meric de 

RlBUX , 

F.\ Nicolas-Aiexis 9&&k 

DB GaLLITZIN, 

F. - . Sarraw 

F.\ Cazes , 

F.\ VlDAL de S t -Martial , 

F.\ Gourg , 

F.\ David de Lafajeole, 

F.\ Rebouilh , 

F.\ David de Lafaieole , 

F.\ Boyer, 

F. - . Thoron , 

F.'. Godrc de Moure , 

F.*. Reibell , 

F.\ L'Abbe Godrc , 



ijsfaimm dej Etats-Unis de l'A- 
mcrique , 

Confeiller du Roi , Magillr.it en la 
SenechaufRe & Siege Prtltdial de 
Carcaflbnne , 

Avocat au Parlemem , 



Prieur de Notre- Dame de Roumartou 
Avocat au Parlerrrent , 



Vtnirable d'horuteur. 

Vinirtbte, 

Premier Sun-tiUcm. 

Second Survtillant, 
Ex'Fint'rjbU d'honneur. 



Receveur du Ginal de Languedoc 
au Port de Foucaud , 

Avocat au Parlemenr, 

Avocat au Parlement , 

Procureur au Senechal & Siege Prefi- 
diai de CarcaiTonne , 

Confeiller du Roi , fon Lieutenant- 
Particulier au Senechal & Siege Pre- 
iidial de CarcaiTonne ; 

DocTeur dc la Faculte de Medecine, 

Negociant, 

Procureur au S^necbal & Siege Pre- 
fidial de CarcaiTonne, 

Negociant . 

QmA t'dwL . X/*2? • 

Infpefte.ur des Fourrjgcs du Roi , 

Prieur de Netre-Dame de Saliign* , 
Avocat au Parlement » 



Ex'Maiire. 
Orator, 

Sccritaire. 

Treforitr. 

Premier Expert. 

Premidt Mture d* Ciitmotutt. 
Securui Miwx As Cfie'mwiiet, 
Maun fHCltl. 

Second Expert, 

Garde des Steaux , Timint At* 

' chtves. 

ArchitetTt & VirijUattiir dt U CsiJJi. 
Vtfiteur des SUhdet & ■EUemofnaift. 



CeB\t*ur. 



F.\ Db Normand, ti^fUM C'L 

Vu pjr Nous,F:, (C^^ ^:- 



or. 



List of Officers Elected by the Royal Lodge of the Commanders 
of the Temple, for the Orient of Garcassone, to direct the labors 
from the 24th day of the fourth month of the year of G.\ L.\ 5785 to 
the same day of the year 5786. 

157 



1706— Gbe Jfranfelin Bicentenary— 1906 



In the same year we find him a member of the 
Order of St. John of Jerusalem. This was one of the 
so-called higher Degrees. 

April 24th, 1785, Franklin succeeds the Prince 
Galitzin as Eminent Commander or "Venerable 
d'honneur." Both of the above certificates, signed 
and sealed, are in the Philosophical Society's Col- 
lection. 

In 1785, Franklin was elected an honorary mem- 
ber of Lodge of Good Friends at Rouen (Loge 
des Bone Amis). He accepted the honor and con- 
templated meeting the Brethren in the Lodge at 
Rouen. In a letter preserved in the University Collec- 
tion dated May 18, 1785, the officers of the Lodge 
express their gratification at Franklin's consenting 
to become a member. This letter is also signed by 
the officers, with the seal of the Lodge attached. 

Several medals were struck abroad in honor of 
Franklin's Masonic career, specimens of which are 
now exceedingly scarce and seldom met with. Two of 
such medals are known to the writer: one is in the 
Grand Lodge Library at Philadelphia, engraved by 
Bernier; it has upon the obverse the bust of Frank- 
lin turned to the left and the inscription: 

"Benj. Franklin Minis 1 . Plen'. Des Etats Unis de L' Amerig. 
Sept. MDCCLXXXIII." 

(Benjamin Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary from the 
United States of North America. 1783.) 

On the reverse is a temple of the Muses, with nine 
female figures and the inscription: 

158 



Gbc Celebration 



"De Leurs Travaux naitra Leur Gloire des neuf Soeurs." 
(From out of their labors will arise the glory of the Nine 
Sisters.) 

The other specimen is at Rostock, Germany, belong- 
ing to the Grand Lodge of Mecklenburg, and bears 
the inscription: 

"Les Mac.'. Franc.', a Franklin M. - . De La L.'. Des 9 
Soeurs O. - . De Paris 5779." 

(The Freemasons to Franklin Master-Mason of the Lodge 
of the Nine Sisters Orient of Paris, 5779.) 

Franklin returned to Philadelphia in 1785, land- 
ing September 14th; on the next day he received a 
congratulatory address from the Pennsylvania As- 
sembly. October 17th, he qualified as a councillor of 
the City, and on the 18th, was elected President of 
the Council. October 26th, he was chosen President 
of Pennsylvania. 

When Franklin, ardent Freemason that he was, 
returned to his natiye city in 1785, he found that 
great changes had taken place in this Masonic Juris- 
diction during his absence. The Grand Lodge and 
its Subordinate Lodges, with which he had been so 
closely associated almost from the very introduction 
of Freemasonry in the Western World, had ceased to 
exist, through a train of events over which he had 
no control. A new Grand Lodge "of the Province of 
Pennsylvania and the Territories Thereunto Belong- 
ing" had taken the place of the old one. A new and 

159 



1706— £be jfranftlin Bicentenary— 1906 

younger generation was in control of the Masonic 
field of the now sovereign State of Pennsylvania, and 
had become a powerful factor in our community. 
And at the very time when Franklin landed, they 
were taking steps to declare themselves a Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, severing all bonds that connected them 
with the Grand Lodge of England ; a movement which 
was consummated just twelve months later, when the 
governing body became the present "Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction Thereunto 
Belonging." 

Thus Franklin, in his old age, became virtually, 
so far as we know, owing to the lack of documentary 
evidence, an unaffiliated Mason in his own Jurisdic- 
tion, and it does not appear upon our present records 
that he ever had any active official connection with our 
present Grand Lodge. Although the Brethren be- 
longing to this Grand Lodge were "Ancients," they 
were very earnest in their efforts to have what was 
left of the "Moderns" to unite with them as many 
did. Overtures to that effect were undoubtedly made 
to Franklin at the time, but probably declined on 
account of his age, physical aliments and onerous 
public duties. 

For the purpose of bringing all Freemasons together 
and uniting them under one jurisdiction whether they 
were "Ancients" or "Moderns," a procession and 
feast was projected by the R. W. Grand Lodge for 
St. John the Evangelist's Day, December 27, 1786. 

160 



£be Celebration 



At the communication of the Grand Lodge, held 
December 2, 1786, it was "Ordered, That as soon as 
the Committee have finally fixed on the place where 
the sermon is to be preached, they are hereby required 
to frame an advertisement, which is to be inserted 
in the different newspapers, inviting all free and 
accepted Masons to attend the procession." 51 

Pursuant to the above resolution, the following ad- 
vertisement was inserted in the local newspapers. It 
will be noticed that this was a general invitation, to 
affiliates as well as non-affiliates, no distinction being 
made between "Ancients" and "Moderns." 

Philadelphia, December 8, 1786. 
ALL FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS are particularly 
requested to meet on Wednesday the 27th instant, (being the 
Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist) at Mr. Duplissi's 
Long-Room, in Church-alley, precisely at 9 o'clock in the 
Forenoon, to proceed from thence in Masonic form to St. 
Paul's Church, where a Charity-Sermon will be delivered for 
the Relief of the Poor of the Craft, the Poor of the Congrega- 
tion and the distressed Prisoners in gaol. After the sermon 
an Anthem will be sung by gentlemen of the Uranian Society. 
' ' By order of the R. W. Grand Master, 

"Assheton Humphreys, Grand Sec'ry." 52 

The following interesting article was published in 
the Pennsylvania Packet, the leading newspaper of 



" Reprint of the Minutes of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Vol. 
I, p. 102. 

2 The Pennsylvania Packet, No. 2464, Wednesday, December 27, 
1786, p. 1., c. 1. 

161 



1706— <Ibe jfranMin Bicentenary— 1906 

the day, No. 2464, December 27, 1786. The Mr. 
Duplisse, at whose house the Brethren assembled, 
was none other than Brother Peter le Barbier 
Duplessis, Esq., who for a number of years served as 
Grand Secretary, and Deputy Grand Master of the 
Bight Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and 
who was one of the chief factors in establishing a 
Sublime Lodge of Perfection in Philadelphia in the 
latter decades of XVIII Century: 

Philadelphia, Dec. 27. 

"This being the Anniversary of St. John's day, the ancient 
and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons have 
proposed a procession, which we are told, will commence at 
ten in the forenoon, from Mr. Duplisse 's room in Church- 
Alley, and proceed in usual form to St. Paul's Church; 
where the reverend Mr. PILMORE at the particular request 
of the Grand Lodge, will deliver a charity sermon, adapted 
to the occasion. 

"This being the first procession of the Grand Lodge since 
the declaration of its independency and separation from the 
masonic government and authority of foreign jurisdiction, the 
public attention (observes a correspondent) will very prob- 
ably be much fascinated and engaged, and, of course, every 
pains exercised by the managers of ceremonies, to make the 
procession as respectable as the nature of circumstances will 
admit, consistent with the land marks and boundaries, laid 
down and prescribed by the immemorial rules and customs 
of the ancient craft. 

"The Grand Lodge and its respective officers — the brethren 
of the subordinate lodges — the members of the royal arch, — 
and the knights, princes, sovereigns, and grand inspectors of 
the sublime lodge of perfection, where GREAT LIGHT 53 from 

53 " Terms which the Sublime Mason will be acquainted with." 

162 



£bc Celebration 



the GRAND EAST, at Berlin, has diffused its extensive RAYS 
— with their respective jewels and ornamental badges and 
habits, must unquestionably afford a most lively variety, and 
present such a noble scene of order, as we are taught alone 
to expect from a venerable institution, which avows no object 
but brotherly love, and has no other tendency than to soften 
the disposition and harmonise the heart, and to maintain 
the welfare and dignity of associated man ! 

"Let ill-nature and malice now take occasion (continues 
our correspondent) to surrender their unworthy prejudices, 
and blush for blackening an art, the characteristic whereof 
is merely the peace and happiness of the world. Doth it en- 
join a single sentiment incompatible with the public good or 
interest of individuals So far to the contrary, that it is a 
system which one may innocently observe by pursuing its 
designs of harmony and order. 'Do justice — allow mercy — 
and love the brotherhood,' is the amount of that celestial 
secret, against which the impudence of calumny and ignorance 
have arisen, and the floods of opposition have dashed most 
violently, and could not shake. For it is founded on an im- 
movable rock, hewn out of heaven and eternity, by our Al- 
mighty architect, when he raised on masonic principles, this 
wonderful globe, & commanded that master science, geometry 
to lay the rule to the planetary world, and to regulate by its 
laws the whole stupendous system, in just, unerring propor- 
tion, rolling round the central Sun! And masonry, resting 
with conscious security therefore on its own basis, has heard 
at a distance the mighty tempest roar, and viewed without fear 
or danger, the fall of kings, the rage of nations, and the crush 
of states! Indeed she has her descent and lineage from the 
noblest and best of pedigrees : She sprung from the supreme 
parent of all things. She is the heiress of truth and of light, 
and in short the fair hand-maid of heaven, and purified com- 
munity! — GOD himself is LOVE— It is the perogative of 

163 



1706— Ebe jfranRIin Bicentenary— 1906 

the saints of glory and man as the inheritor of two worlds, 
in no shape so nearly resembles the Diety as in the glorious 
practice and exercise of the generous and liberal affections!" 

Well, then, deserves Masonry to be prized! Well 
deserves sublime Masonry to be embraced and culti- 
vated, that the blazing stars 'and guiding meteors' 
may illuminate and brighten this western world! 54 

Two Editions of Brother Pilmoee's charity sermon 
were published;— one by Eleazer Oswald, Philadel- 
phia, 1787, the second by AYilliam Durrell, 55 No. 19 
Queen Street, New York, 1793. The title reads: 

"A Sermon preached in St. Paul's Church, 
Philadelphia, on Wednesday, 27th December, 
1786. Being the Anniversary of St. John the 
Evangelist : For the relief of the poor : Before 
the Honourable Fraternity of the Free and 
Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. By the 
Rev. Joseph Pilmore, Rector of the United 
Churches of Trinity, St. Thomas and All- 
Saints. 

H d>IAAAEA<&IA MENETH 56 

Philadelphia/Printed by Eleazer OswALD/at 
the Coffee House/MDCCLXXXVII. " 5T 

51 " Terms which the Sublime Mason will be acquainted with." 
" Copy in Masonic Temple Library, Philadelphia. 
'"" Let brotherly love continue. 

7 The only known copy is in the Philadelphia Library, Ridgway 
Branch. 

164 



Gbe Celebration 



The dedication, which is of especial interest to us, 
as it is direct evidence that Franklin was recognized 
during his lifetime directly as a Mason by the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, reads: 

"To his Excellency 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Esq. 

President of the Supreme Executive Council 

of the State of Pennsylvania: 

A most sublime Philosopher ; 

The Friend of his Country, 

'a great and successful Asserter of 

Liberty, with all the Rights 
Essential to the happiness of human 
Nature : 
An illustrious Brother, 
Whose distinguished Merit among 
Masons 
Entitles him to their highest Venera- 
tion; 
Whose Eminent and long established 

Virtues 
Endear him to his fellow Citizens: 

As a small Testimony of the 

Most sincere and cordial Affection 

The following SERMON 

IS VERY RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED 

By the AUTHOR." 
165 



1700—Zbc jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

Upon the preceding page and opposite to the fore- 
going is the following: 

"Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic 
Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging. 

"January 2, 1787. 

"The Lodge taking into consideration the excellent Ser- 
mon delivered by the Reverend Mr. PILMORB, at their re- 
quest, on the 27th day of December last, being the anniversary 
of ST. JOHN the Evangelist, unanimously resolved that the 
thanks of this Lodge be returned to Mr. PILMORE for the 
same. And conceiving that the publication thereof would be 
of great utility, and further the benevolent designs of its 
author, it was ordered that the Committee appointed to ar- 
range the order of that day, solicit a copy of the same for 
that purpose, as soon as possible: 

"Extract from the Minutes, 

Assheton Humphreys, G. Sec'ry." 

At the Communication of the Grand Lodge, on 
January 2, 1787, in addition to a copy of the Rev. Mr. 
Pilmore, a copy of the prayer of the Rev. Dr. Magaw 
was also requested, in order that the same might be 
printed. 58 

At a Quarterly Communication, held March 26, 
1787, it was "Ordered, that the Secy, send three 
COPIES of the SERMON and prayer to every Lodge 
under the Jurisdiction, and six copies to every Grand 
Lodge in the UNITED STATES." 59 

M Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Vol. I, 
p. 104. 

" Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Vol. I, 
p. 107. 

166 



Gbe Celebration 



Brother James M. Lamberton, in his Report on 
Correspondence for the year 1902, after reciting the 
above extracts from the minutes, aptly states : 

"The dedication of this particular Sermon, at this 
time, the first one before the newly organized body, 
was very significant, as was also the motto." 00 

Franklin's official life closed in 1788, and he died 
April 17th, 1790, in the eighty-fifth year of his age; 
on Wednesday, April 19th, 1790, his remains were 
borne to their resting place, beside those of his wife, 
in old Christ Church graveyard, at the south east 
corner of Arch and Fifth Streets. 

The following account of the sad occasion appeared 
in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 3126, April 28, 
1790. 

"PHILADELPHIA, April 28. 

"The following was the order of procession, on Wednesday 
last, at the funeral of our late learned and illustrious citizen, 
Dr. Franklin. — 

"All the Clergy of the City, including the Ministers of the 
Hebrew congregation, before the corpse. 

"THE CORPSE, carried by citizens. The pall, supported 
by the President of the State, the Chief Justice, the President 
of the Bank, Samuel Powell, William Bingham and David 
Rittenhouse, Esquires. 

"Mourners, consisting of the family of the deceased, with 
a number of particular friends. 

"The Secretary and Members of the Supreme Executive 
Council. 

w Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1902, p. lx. 
11 167 



1706— £bc jfranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

"The Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. 

"Judges of the Supreme Court and other officers of gov- 
ernment. 

"The gentlemen of the Bar. 

"The Mayor and Corporation of the City of Philadelphia. 

"The Printers of the city, with their Journeymen and 
Apprentices. 

' ' The Philosophical Society. 

"The College of Physicians. 

"The Cincinnati. 

"The College of Philadelphia. 

' ' And sundry other Societies, together with a numerous and 
respectable body of Citizens. 

"The concourse of Spectators was greater than ever was 
known on a like occasion. It is comouted that not less than 
20,000 persons attended and witnessed the funeral. The 
order and silence which prevailed, during the procession, 
deeply evinced the heartfelt sense entertained by all classes, 
of the unparalleled virtues, talents and services of the de- 
ceased. 

"On Thursday, the 22d instant, the following resolution was 
agreed to by the House of Representatives of the United 
States, in Congress assembled : 

" 'The House being informed of the decease of BENJAMIN 
FRANKLIN, a citizen, whose native genius was not more an 
ornament to human nature, than his various exertions of it 
have been precious to science, to freedom and to his country, 
do resolve, as a mark of the veneration due to his memory, 
That the members wear the customary badge of mourning for 
one month.' 

"On Thursday last the Supreme Executive Council of this 
State resolved to wear morning for one month, in memory of 
their great and good fellow-citizen, Doctor FRANKLIN. 

168 



£be Celebration 



"We hear that the Philosophical Society has unanimously 
voted a funeral oration, to be delivered by one of their mem- 
bers, in honour of their late illustrious President, Dr 
FRANKLIN." 

Thus closed the earthly career of Right Worshipful 
Brother Benjamin Fkanklin, to whose memory al- 
most universal homage will be paid in the city of his 
adoption, upon the occasion of the two hundredth 
anniversary of his birth, the ceremonies virtually 
closing with the memorial service at the tomb under 
the direction of the Bight Worshipful Grand Master 
of Masons in Fennsylvania. 

The Chorus sang Rudyard Kipling's "Reces- 
sional," to the music by Reginald DeKoven: 

A VICTORIAN ODE. 

God of our fathers, known of old- 
Lord of our far-flung battle line — 
Beneath whose awful Hand we hold 
Dominion over palm and pine. 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 
Lest we forget— lest we forget! 

The tumult and the shouting dies— 
The captains and the kings depart- 
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, 
An humble and a contrite heart. 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 
Lest we forget— lest we forget! 
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1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

Far-called, our navies melt away — 
On dune and headland sinks the fire — 
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday 
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! 
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, 
Lest we forget — lest we forget! 

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose 
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe — 
Such boasting as the Gentiles use, 
Or lesser breeds without the Law — 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 
Lest we forget — lest we forget! 

For heathen heart that puts her trust 
In reeking tube and iron shard — 
All valiant dust that builds on dust, 
And guarding calls not Thee to guard. 
For frantic boast and foolish word, 
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord ! — Amen. 

The Right Worshipful Grand Master invited the 
Brethren to partake of refreshment in the Grand 
Banquet Hall, after the close of the Grand Lodge. 

Grand Lodge was closed in harmony at 9 o'clock 
50 minutes P. M. Grand Chaplain Reverend Brother 
Charles H. Bond, offered the following 

PRAYER 

Almighty Father— the High and Holy One that 
inhabitest Eternity — with becoming reverence we 
would approach Thy Throne of Grace, to worship 
Thee in spirit and in truth, and in the beauty of 
holiness. 

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Zbe Celebration 



We give Thee thanks for the mercies and blessings 
which Thou art continually bestowing upon us. May 
our faithfulness be the proof of our gratitude. Guide 
and prosper us in the business of Grand Lodge. Give 
wisdom to thy servant, the Grand Master of Masons 
in Pennsylvania and all associated with him, and may 
all our doings be acceptable in Thy sight, Loed, our 
Strength and our Redeemer. 

Help us to emulate the examples of all our worthy 
Brethren, who by their virtue and integrity, their 
skill and fidelity, their unselfish interest in others 
and their deeds of pure benevolence, have left their 
footprints on the sands of time-and the sands have 
become as rock, and the impressions imperishable. 

And especially as we reflect upon the life and char- 
acter of our late Brother, Benjamin Franklin, may 
we be edified, and inspired to live up to the pure 
principles of our Fraternity, and to better display 
the beauties of holiness to the honor and glory of 
Thy Great Name.— Amen. 

Response by the Brethren: So mote it be! 

The Brethren then partook of refreshment in the 
Grand Banquet Hall. 



171 



THE MEMORIAL SERVICE 

Thursday, April 19, A. D. 1906, A. L. 5906, was a 
bright, warm spring day. In the afternoon, the Officers 
of the Grand Lodge and other Brethren assembled at 
the Masonic Temple, and proceeded in open carriages, 
under escort to old Christ Church Grave-yard, at the 
south east corner of Arch and Fifth Streets. 

The Officers of the Grand Lodge present were: 



Bro. 



George W. Kendrick, Jr. 
William L. Gorgas . . 

Peter Boyd 



Rev. 

ii 

Bro. 



James M. Lamberton . 

Thomas R. Patton . . 
William A. Sinn . . 
John A. Perry . . . 
James W. Brown . . 
J. Henry Williams 
Samuel A. Boyle . . 
George Hale .... 
Adam H. Schmehl . . 
Bro. Frank B. Lynch, D.D. 
" Robert Hunter, 
John L. Kinsey 



R, W. Grand Master. 

R. W. Junior Grand Warden. Act- 
ing R.W. Deputy Grand Master. 

Senior Grand Deacon, Acting R. 
W. Senior Grand Warden. 

Junior Grand Deacon, Acting R. 
W. Junior Grand Warden. 

R. W. Grand Treasurer. 

R. W. Grand Secretary. 

Deputy Grand Secretary. 

R. W. Past Grand Master. 

District Deputy Grand Masters. 



h, D.D.I 
*, D.D. J 



William B. Hackenburg 
Henry G. Bruner . . . 
Samuel W. Wray . . . 
J. Waener Hutchins . . 



Grand Chaplains. 

District Deputy Grand Master. 

as Senior Grand Deacon, 
as Junior Grand Deacon. 
Grand Steward, 
as Grand Steward. 
Grand Marshal. 



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" Frank M. Highly ... as Grand Sword Bearer. 
" Charles S. Bair . . . Grand Pursuivant. 
" William B. Joslyn . . Grand Tyler. 

Other Brethren present were John J. Atken, 
Daniel Baied, Jr., Jesse J. Barker, Ezra S. Bart- 
lett, William H. Bellows, Charles Cary, Davis S. 
Craven, Samuel H. Day, Henry M. Deckert, Syl- 
vester S. Garwood, Amos H. Hall, George W. Hall, 
George B. M. Highley, Azariah W. Hoopes, Hibbert 
P. Johns, James E. M. Keller, Samuel P. Kelly, 
W. Freeland Kendrick, Alexander J. H. Mackie, 
James McConnell, George McCurdy, Alexander H. 
Morgan, M. Bichards Muckle, Edward Perry, I. Lay- 
ton Begister, Samuel H. Rhoads, William A. 
Rhoads, Z. Taylor Rickards, Max Riebenack, Julius 
P. Sachse, Edmund D. Scholey, Henry W. Smith, 
Edward B. Spencer, Thomas C. Stellwagon, John 
S. Stevens, Edward A. Stockton, Carl A. Sund- 
strom, George J. Vandergrift, G. Ellwood Wagner, 
John Wanamaker, John Weaver, Charles F. Wig- 
nall, J. Henry Williams, Barclay J. Woodward, 
Henry C. Young and Henry Z. Ziegler. 

The various organizations composing the escort as- 
sembled in line on the west side of Broad Street, 
facing east, and were under the immediate command 
of Brother Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin C. Tilgh- 
man, Jr., Third Regiment, National Guard of Penn- 
sylvania, who acted as Grand Marshal. 

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1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

The column moved at 4 o'clock, P. M., from Broad 
and Arch Streets in the following order: 

Platoon of Mounted Police. 

Brother Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin C. Tilghman, 

Jr., and Staff. 

First City Troop— Captain John C. Groom. 

Battalion of United States Marines from the League 

Island Navy Yard. 

Battalion of Sailors from the United States Cruiser 

"Pennsylvania"— Brother Captain Thomas C. 

McLean. 

First Regiment Veteran Corps— Brother Colonel 

Theodore E. Weidersheim. 
First Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania— 

Brother Colonel Wendell P. Bowman. 

Two Battalions of Letter Carriers, Consisting of 840 

Men, with Two Bands— William B. Johnson, 

Marshal. 

Association of Veteran Volunteer Firemen. 

The line of march was south on Broad Street, to 
Market, passing to the east side of the City Hall; 
east on Market to Twelfth; south on Twelfth to 
Chestnut; east on Chestnut to Fifth, where the pro- 
cession was joined by the members of the American 
Philosophical Society and the Congressional Delega- 
tion, and proceeded north on Fifth to Arch, and east 
on Arch to Fourth Street, where it halted. A small 

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covered stand had been erected upon the pavement 
on the south side of Arch Street (adjoining the wall 
of the grave-yard), which was sufficiently large to 
accommodate the Grand Officers, the Grand Chaplains 
and a few Brethren. 

The Brethren and the members of the American 
Philosophical Society and the Congressional Delega- 
tion took places in the yard, when wreaths were 
placed upon the tomb of Franklin by the following, 
including representatives of the Societies to which 
he had belonged: Right Worshipful Grand Master 
Brother George W. Kendrick, Jr., representing the 
Bight Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F. 
& A. M. : Commander Cameron McR. Winslow, U. 
S. N., representing the President of the United States, 
His Excellency Brother Theodore Roosevelt; Brother 
Bromley Wharton, representing the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, His Excellency Brother Samuel W. 
Pennypacker, LL.D. ; His Honor the Mayor, Bro- 
ther John Weaver, representing the City of Phila- 
delphia; Brother Edgar F. Smith, Ph.D., Sc.D., 
LL.D., representing the American Philosophical So- 
ciety; Provost Charles C. Harrison, LL.D., repre- 
senting the University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Alois 
Brandl, representing the University of Berlin; 
Dr. Emil Wiechert, representing the University of 
Gottingen; Brother William Harkness, representing 
the City Councils of Philadelphia; Mr. Edward S. 

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1706— ^Ebc jfranfcltn 36i*ccntenar^— 1906 

Buckley, representing the Library Company of Phila- 
delphia; Benjamin H. Shoemakee, M.D., represent- 
ing the Pennsylvania Hospital; Mr. J. Rodman Paul, 
representing the Philadelphia Contributorship for the 
Insurance of Houses, and Samuel G. Dixon, M.D., 
representing the Academy of Natural Sciences. 

From the United States Cruiser "Pennsylvania," 
which was at anchor off the Race Street wharf, a 
salute was fired during the exercises. 

A large concourse of people was present. 

The R. W. Grand Master, Brother George W. 
Kendrick, Jr., said: 

We are assembled to-day to pay a tribute of re- 
spect to the memory of our Past Grand Master, Eight 
Worshipful Brother Benjamin Franklin, who was 
made a Mason in 1731, was Grand Master in 1734, 
again Grand Master in 1749, and the only Brother who 
ever occupied that position at intermediate periods. 
He was one of the greatest men and Masons that ever 
lived, and in honoring him we honor ourselves. 

We will open our ceremonies with an invocation. 

Grand Chaplain Reverend Brother Robert Hunter, 
D.D., offered the following 

INVOCATION 

Almighty God, it is in Thee we live, and move 
and have our being: We recognize and adore Thee as 
the God of providence and the God of all grace. We 

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invoke Thy presence and Thy blessing on this me- 
morial occasion. We thank Thee for the life and 
service which we commemorate to-day; for all that 
Thy servant was as a patriot, for all that he did for 
the maintenance of civic righteousness; for all that 
he contributed towards laying the foundations of our 
educational institutions; for his influence in the 
progress of the arts and sciences; and for his varied 
and multiplied services in behalf of our city, our 
beloved country, and for humanity. Especially do 
we revere his memory at this time as a member of 
the Fraternity of Freemasons and as his Brethren we 
gather about his grave to recall his virtues and his 
services ; and as we do so, we pray, God, that we 
may emulate all that was noble in his character, and 
faithful and helpful in his life. May we, like our 
departed Brother, be enabled so to live as to be a 
blessing to the generation to which we belong. Let 
Thy blessing rest upon all Freemasons not only in 
the Jurisdiction which we represent, but throughout 
the world. Help us in private and in public life, to 
have constant regard for those principles of morality, 
charity and brotherhood to which we have solemnly 
pledged ourselves; and help us to live here, that in 
the world to come we may enjoy enternal life. For- 
give graciously all our sins, and answer our petitions 
in Thy tender mercy and love: And may glory be 
to God on High; as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

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1706— Zbe franklin Bicentenary— 1906 

The R. W. Grand Master spoke as follows: 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 

As in other climes where different religious faiths 
prevail, the weak, maimed and decrepit approach the 
sepulchres of the sanctified dead in the hope that the 
Divine spirit may relieve them of their sufferings, in 
no less reverent and hopeful mood do we assemble 
here to-day, that, listening to the discourses upon the 
life of the great humanitarian whose mortal remains 
are here interred, we may gather fresh inspiration for 
renewed effort toward higher things. 

As the speakers in their remarks will doubtless 
draw aside the veil that conceals the past from the 
present, let us eagerly grasp the view of those prin- 
ciples which shine like a beacon light through Frank- 
lin's life, and which still remain as a lamp and pillar 
of light for the guidance of the pure in heart. 

It is for the broad humanity of Franklin 's complex 
life that we especially revere him. Be it philosophy, 
science, statesmanship or literature, his magic touch 
made practical use of all his knowledge and educa- 
tion. He never was too high or too low, but always 
in touch with the people whose interests he made 
identical with his own. He was peculiarly human. 

And so the institution which we represent to-day 

is a human institution, founded upon the good in 

humanity, with its sole purpose to promote and in- 
ns 



£bc flDemorial Service 



crease that good; and its corner-stone is brotherly 
love and charity. 

It would be difficult to select any one individual 
who more thoroughly typifies and embodies the spirit 
of our institution than our Grand Master Benjamin 
Franklin. Able and willing to assist others, slow to 
criticise, fearless in action, after a life devoted to the 
promotion of the happiness of his countrymen, when 
toward its close he met with the framers of the Con- 
stitution, our greatest human document, he it was who 
suggested that a petition for Divine guidance over the 
deliberations of the Constitutional Assembly be made. 
As charity is the purpose of Freemasonry so it was 
Franklin's intention, nobly executed. But when his 
name is forgotten as a scientist, philosopher and 
statesman, it will rest in the hearts of Philadelphians 
for the magnificent and enduring charities which his 
mind conceived and his generous hand established. 

The Great Architect in His wisdom permitted our 
Brother to erect with his own hands tablets more 
durable than stone, more lustrous than gold. 

R. W. Past Grand Master Brother James W. Brown 
delivered the following address : 

FRANKLIN AS A FREEMASON AND AS A MAN 

If we could speak to the man in whose memory 
we meet to-day, what words could we find to express 
the admiration, the respect and veneration we feel 
for his life, his talents, and services to his country! 

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1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

Two hundred years have passed since the birth of 
our Past Grand Master, Brother Benjamin Franklin, 
two hundred years of progress unprecedented in the 
history of the world; progress in the arts, and 
sciences, in education, in freedom of speech and free- 
dom from prejudice and bigotry; progress in bringing 
us toward a better knowledge of our relations to 
Almighty God. No man has contributed more to this 
world's progress than Benjamin Franklin. As a 
philosopher, scientist, patriot, statesman and diplomat, 
he contributed his full share. As a scientist, he con- 
tributed to the development of the use of electricity, 
and helped to bring this unforeseen force of nature 
into the service that it now renders to mankind. He 
helped materially to found the greatest Nation upon 
the earth, and lay the corner stone of a Government 
of free people, where all men are free and equal 
before the law. 

It is not possible, for me, at this time, to consider 
his career as a patriot or philosopher; I shall con- 
fine my remarks to Benjamin Franklin as a Free- 
mason and as a man. It is well for us to remember 
that it was the personality of the man and his kindly 
dignity of character and simplicity of life, that helped 
him before the courts of foreign nations when he 
pled the cause of his country, more than any of the 
wiles of the diplomat. 

He was the founder of several institutions of great 
merit and lasting usefulness. He became a member 

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of the Masonic Fraternity in 1731, an organization 
which had then existed hundreds of years, whose his- 
tory dates hack to great antiquity. It can not be 
denied that Freemasonry is the logical successor to 
the ancient guilds of workmen who built the ancient 
temples, the magnificent ruins of which are to be 
found throughout the world, extending back to the 
building of King Solomon's Temple. It was the de- 
pository of the secrets of the arts and sciences and of 
ancient engineering, when they were taught by word 
of mouth and handed down from workman to appren- 
tice in the ancient guilds. It was the custodian of 
the Bible during the dark ages of the world. Founded 
upon liberality, brotherly love and charity, the prin- 
ciples which it taught of fraternity and the equality 
of man, appealed to the reason of the broad minded 
philosopher, and he became one of its disciples and a 
teacher in the Craft, until he was made Grand Master 
of Masons in Philadelphia, which is the highest honor 
that can be attributed to any man in the Fraternity. 
What influence Freemasonry may have had on the 
life and character of Benjamin Franklin can only 
be conjectured, but that it did influence him and his 
contemporaries in the great struggle for American 
Independence seems beyond a doubt. The immortal 
Washington was a devoted Mason, as was Lafayette. 
Fifty-three of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration 
of Independence, coming from all the original Thir- 
teen Colonies were Freemasons; nearly all the Gen- 

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1706— ^be ifranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

erals of the Continental Army were Freemasons, and 
Waeren who laid down his life on the slopes of 
Bunker Hill was Grand Master in Massachusetts, 
which was Franklin 's native state, and so afterwards 
was Paul Bevere of the "midnight ride." History 
has left us a long roll of distinguished men who were 
active and devoted Masons, but none shine with 
greater brightness on the walls of the Temple of 
Fame, than "Washington, Lafayette and Frank- 
lin." Their names are inseparably connected with 
all efforts to promote the libery of men and with the 
great struggle for American Independence. Frank- 
lin never forgot his associations with Freemasonry, 
and even when he was abroad, pleading his country's 
cause at foreign courts, he helped to practice the 
rights of Freemasonry and identified himself with the 
Craft. 

It has been a custom, according to our Ancient 
Legends, to plant a sprig of acacia or evergreen at 
the head of every newly made grave, and it is the 
custom to-day to deposit a sprig of evergreen in the 
grave of a departed Brother, emblematic of our belief 
in the immortality of the soul, symbolic of the ever 
green memory Masons hold for a Brother's life and 
character. 

To-day we have laid on the grave of our departed 
Brother a wreath, in memory of his life, in admiration 
of his character and gratitude for his services, and 

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in loving remembrance of his strict adherence to the 
principles of our Fraternity. 

After a long and useful life in the service of his 
country and for the benefit of mankind, he laid down 
to rest, the rest of immortality. 

"Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, 
Gone is he whom we deemed great ; 
Gone, but we believe him 
Far advanced in future state ; 
And he wears a nobler crown 
Than any wreath that man can weave him." 

Brother Peter Boyd, Senior Grand Deacon, spoke 
as follows: 

Men do not fix the standard of the rose by the 
dwarfed and worm eaten bud; they do not value the 
fruit by the immature and unsightly scrub ; nor should 
they measure the dignity and high calling of the 
ancient Fraternity of Freemasons by the unproduc- 
tive and unprofitable lives of unworthy members, even 
though they call themselves by its name. But just 
as the excellence and perfume of the matured flowers 
mark the standard of quality for the whole species ; 
just as the perfect and fully ripened fruit displays the 
possibility of the power that lies within every kindred 
germ, so the lives of the many great men in every 
generation, who have travelled the same road that 
every Freemason knows so well, give to the world 
some of the light and power that radiate from and are 
enfolded within the principles that the Fraternity 

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1706— £be tfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

holds as its great and eternal secrets. Here in the 
narrow house appointed for all living, covered by this 
simple stone, lies the dust of one of the greatest and 
most eminent Freemasons that has lived since the 
days when the sacred Temple was reared among 
Judean hills. As his fame is being sounded far and 
near, and men come from distant lands to pay homage 
to his memory, we, who can well understand why 
his kindly hearted human soul grew with advancing 
years in the intensity of its devotion to the spirit of 
the teachings of the Lodge, may be pardoned a 
momentary and just pride in that we too are Masons. 
Therefore, we come at this time away from our ac- 
customed place to stand beside this hallowed grave, 
and pay our tribute to his name, trusting in our day 
even as he trusted in his day, that we bear within our- 
selves the seeds of immortality, and when it pleases 
the great Architect of the Universe to speak the word, 
nor time nor space, nor height nor depth, nor death 
nor grave, shall separate those who are one in spirit, 
one in hope and one in love. 

Brother John L. Kinsey, District Deputy Grand 
Master, spoke as follows: 

Brethren and Fellow Citizens: 

A century and sixteen years ago the most notable 
people of a new Republic gathered at this grave side 
to commit to earth the body of its foremost citizen, 

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a man whose supreme intellect had guided the destiny 
of his native land in her struggles for self rule, on 
two continents and in three nations. 

How beautiful in the glow of this eventide and be- 
fitting in reverend historic association is this spot for 
his last resting place! Within this enclosure repose 
the remains of many of his illustrious cotemporaries. 
Here lies Peyton Randolph, first President of the 
Continental Congress, as well as Francis Hopkinson, 
one of the signers of the Declaration; lies here, also, 
Robert Morris, the self-sacrificed and almost forgot- 
ten financier of the Revolution, who pledged all his 
fortune and his future to support his country's cause 
in her darkest and most despondent hours, and who 
now, forsaken by an indifferent people, is left without 
a monument and with but little more than a passing 
memory; about us on every hand still endure rem- 
nants of the works of that great man whom we have 
gathered here to honor, as glorious records of his 
bountiful devotion to the interests of his fellow beings 
in every line of human progress— be it patriotic— in- 
tellectual— physical or moral. 

Yonder, as yet undespoiled, is the house in which 
the deft needle of Betsy Ross wrought into form his 
suggestion for our country's flag. At the next corner 
stands the successor to the Friends' Meeting House— 
the only open door that welcomed him upon that 
autumn Sunday morning, when as a weary and friend- 
less boy, he first arrived in this city, which to-day 

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1706— £be JTranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

is claiming here his resplendent citizenship as her 
richest and most cherished heritage. 

Thitherward, a little south of Market Street, be- 
tween 3rd and 4th, was the house in which he passed 
in pain the closing years of his life, and in which 
he died upon the 17th of April, 1790. 

To the south is Independence Hall, wherein he 
affixed that vigorous signature to the last and most 
majestic Magna Charta in the history of civil liberty. 
In another apartment of the same building, still are 
held the meetings of the oldest of our learned socie- 
ties, the American Philosophical Society, which was 
first initiated solely as he had devised it, and under 
whose auspices and in the presence of whose cultured 
and distinguished membership these commemorative 
ceremonies are being held. 

Opposite from this Hall, stately in its Colonial 
architecture, stood, until 1888, the Philadelphia 
Library, which, first organized according to his plans, 
was the primitive inception of that salutary system 
of free reading which has now grown to be a great 
American educational institution. 

A few blocks further westward is the Pennsylvania 
Hospital, one of the earliest, if not the first of its kind 
in this country, conceived and created out of his 
benevolent instincts; while re-located now beyond the 
Schuylkill is that magnificent University, which had 
its humble origin under his acute and far-reaching 
conception. 

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Around us, all else, seemingly, has changed. In- 
deed, it is the presence of these ashes alone that has 
stayed the grasping hand of commercial greed from 
the profanation of these sacred acres, and so may they 
long, let us entreat, be thus preserved as a hallowed 
shrine for the pilgrimage of every pure hearted Amer- 
ican patriot. 

To him, not inadvertently, has been applied the 
epithet of "many sided." His was the marvellous 
mind that advanced and adorned whatsoever it 
touched, whether great or small, simple or sublime. 

He was the disciple of common sense— the apostle 
of applied science— with the power to penetrate be- 
yond appearance into reality— to discern cause in 
consequence— at once speculative and practical— theo- 
retical but always executive. With him thought and 
thing were never disparted. Man and nature alike 
were to him but variant manifestations of the same 
veiled design. He faced nature and her phenomena 
as facts untinted by sentiment, unmarred by mys- 
ticism. He looked on her neither to wonder nor 
admire, but only to win from her some secret to be 
utilized for human benefit. 

His was a last half of the 19th century intellect 
set mid way in the 18th. Wisely could Lord 
Brougham say of him, that if Bacon had not un- 
folded the inductive theory, he would have indicated 
it, and that too "in language more explicit," and not 
inaptly did the French Academy of Science in their 

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1706— £be ffranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

assembled presence command hini and Voltaire to 
arise and embrace as they hailed them "Solon and 
Sophocles. ' ' Better still might they have greeted him 
alone as a blended Socrates and Aristotle,— literally 
as great as either,— beneficially as to daily wants,— 
more useful than both. 

Imagine his return at this day, as he wrote to his 
friend Dr. Priestly in 1780, that he would like to do, 
to behold the realization of the height to which man's 
power over matter would be carried by the advance 
science was then making. 

The old world always having more leisure for 
appreciation of scholastic attainments than the strenu- 
ous new, was not slow to recognize his merit, and 
promptly bestowed upon him her best honors— ex- 
clusive St. Andrews and aristocratic Oxford endow- 
ing him with their most coveted degrees. 

No more picturesque life was there than his, and 
none was more continuously and actively lived. It 
was a series of brilliant tableaux— moving through its 
four score years with all the swift vivacity of a 
drama. 

Truly could Bancroft say of him,— "He was the 
greatest diplomat of that age." 

One decade he was in England combating the 
avarice of the Proprietaries of the Province, and 
again revisiting it to inspire Chatham and Fox with 
immortal eloquence for repeal of the Stamp Act— re- 
turning to the city of his home in time to record his 
name on the Declaration of Independence— and within 

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three months thereafter, at the age of seventy years, 
sailing for France, and without credit or security 
negotiating there a loan of three millions of money 
for the maintenance of the Revolutionary War, and 
in two years subsequently obtaining that Treaty of 
Peace and Amity, the moral effect of which was to 
hasten to victorious conclusion the protracted contest. 
And then, after having lived a period of more than 
twenty years in Europe in behalf of the Colonies, 
returned to Philadelphia in time to take part in the 
adoption of that Constitution, which time and circum- 
stances had evolutionized from the outlines first 
formulated by him in Albany in 1754, and later 
promulgated in the Articles of Confederation. 

But outside of all these broader labors and dis- 
tinctions the prevailing trait in his nature was his 
specific consideration for the comfort and contentment 
of his fellows. One has said of him that no human 
need escaped his attention— another, that a man of 
greater humanity never lived— and still another con- 
trasts the beginning of his career, when he shared 
that legendary roll with a woman and her child, to 
his last official act, wherein as President of the Aboli- 
tion Society, he signed a petition to Congress for 
liberation of the slaves. 

In perfect harmony with this predominating senti- 
ment of his life in his answer, when urged to procure 
patents upon some of his most useful inventions, that 
"as we have benefited by those of others, let them 
now benefit by ours." 

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1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

No marvel is it then, that this Fraternity possessed 
such charm for him hy appealing to this kindly quality 
in his character, and not strange is it that he found 
therein a sphere for its active manifestation. 

Any phase of this distinguished career would afford 
a fertile theme for elaborate discourse, but a rigid 
time limit here precludes. 

No better compliment could be paid him than that 
by one of the Revolutionary Clubs of Paris, which, 
when the news of his death reached them, crowned 
the marble bust that adorned their halls with a wreath 
of oak leaves, the wreath with which the Roman 
nation honored those who had served their fellows, 
and had carved upon its pedestal that rugged old 
Latin word "Vir," for which there is no robust Eng- 
lish equivalent by which it can be precisely trans- 
lateable. Approximately only, can we go to the gifted 
oracle of our mother tongue to find its definition, 
where Antony says over the body of the dead 
Brutus: "His life was gentle, and the elements so 
mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to 
all the world,— This was a man." 

Brother John Weaver, Mayor of the City of Phila- 
delphia, said: 

Right Worshipful Grand Master, and You, My 
Brethren of the Masonic Fraternity, Invited 
Guests, and Gentlemen : 
I shall not detain you in an effort to add anything 

to the eloquent speeches that have been made by the 

190 




< < 

1 s 



o o -; 

<r £ m 

* 2 



£be flDemorial Service 



gentlemen who have stood upon this stand this after- 
noon to address you. They have told you what 
Franklin was as a philosopher, as a statesman, as 
a scientist, and a man of affairs, and the whole 
civilized world unites to-day in paying a tribute of 
respect to the memory of him whose remains lie be- 
neath yonder slab, upon the occasion of the two 
hundredth anniversary of his birth, and the City of 
Philadelphia— his city— the City of Brotherly Love— 
a city that he served, and for which he wrought— a 
city for which he accomplished more than any other 
man that ever lived within its borders, and as the 
Chief Executive of that city— his city— I have de- 
sired to place upon his tomb this wreath of oak leaves, 
as evidence of the tribute that a grateful city for 
which he worked so nobly, pays to his memory, and 
I make this prediction, that, as the years roll on, 
instead of his memory becoming more dim, it shall 
shine with an ever increasing light until the full glory 
of his accomplishments shall shine forth as bright as 
the midday sun. 

The E, W. Grand Master then said: 

I want to drop just one little sprig among the many 
wreaths that cover his tomb. 

It is a natural wish that sweet flowers should grow 
upon the graves of those we love. In Paradise, we 
think, they never wither. God has written manifold 
and wondrous truths in the stars, but the revelation 

191 



1706— TLhc ifranfrtin Bicentenary— 1906 

of His love is not less plain in the flowers that are 
the stars of the earth— 

"Emblems of our great resurrection, 
Emblems of the brighter, better land." 

We strew them on the body of our Brother, as an 
apt expression of our affection, and equally of hope 
and reliance on that beneficence of which they are the 
unmistakable and eloquent expression. 

Grand Chaplain Eeverend Brother Frank B. 
Lynch, D.D., offered the following 

CLOSING PRAYER 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we invoke 
Thy Divine benediction upon us who are here as- 
sembled, and upon the Brotherhood throughout the 
world. We beseech Thee that Thy grace may enable 
us to emulate the example of all those, Thy servants, 
who, in their day and generation, have wrought for 
righteousness in city, state and nation. Especially do 
we ask that we may have courage to follow the 
footsteps of the illustrious Brother in whose memory 
we are gathered this day. As the years go by, may 
we more and more cherish the truths he taught, the 
religion he professed, the God he worshiped and the 
immortality in which he believed and to which he 
has attained. And so may we be led into all truth 
here, and at last be brought into Thy presence above; 
we ask it for Thine Ineffable Name's sake. Amen. 

The Officers and Brethren then returned to the 
Masonic Temple. 

192 



MASONIC LETTERS OF BENJAMIN 

FRANKLIN, OF PHILADELPHIA, 

TO HENRY PRICE, OF 

BOSTON 

EDITED BY 

The Late Brother Clifford P. MacCalla, 
Right Worshipful Past Grand Master. 

In the printed Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of 
Massachusetts for 1871, there appeared in full the 
text of two letters, one the letter in chief, and the 
other a postscript letter, both of the same date and 
contained in the same enclosure, from Bro. Benjamin 
Franklin, Grand Master of Pennsylvania, to Bro. 
Henry Price, Provincial Grand Master of New Eng- 
land, which letters are quoted in and made a part of, 
the annual address of Grand Master Bro. William 
Sewell Gardner. 1 These letters have never been sub- 
jected to a critical analysis. We purpose attempting 
such an analysis now, in order to ascertain the relative 
status of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania and in Massa- 
chusetts in 1734, at the time the letters bear date. 
They were destroyed in the Winthrop House fire, in 
Boston, but accurate copies of them had been made 
prior thereto, and it is admitted that they are correct. 

1 Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for 1871, pp. 
356-7. 

193 



1706— ftbe jfranftlin Bicentenary— 1906 

(The letters are printed in full at pages 87-89 
ante.) 

1. We would remark, that the first letter, as is 
apparent from its language throughout, is purely an 
official one, from Grand Master Franklin, "signed at 
the request of the Lodge," to Provincial Grand Mas- 
ter Price, and the members of his Grand Lodge ; while 
the second letter is a personal and semi-official one, 
from "Grand Master Franklin" to "Brother Price." 
In the first letter Franklin uses the pronoun "We," 
in the second, the pronoun, "I," and he signs both 
as "Grand Master of Pennsylvania." 

2. Franklin's official letter is a reply to an official 
letter written to him by Grand Master Price. This 
is an important point. Franklin's letter is dated 
"Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1734," and it appears on its 
face to be a reply to an official letter from Grand 
Master Price, of date "October 23, 1734." Our Bos- 
ton Brethren have never produced the text of Price's 
letter, nor have we been able to discover it, so that 
we are left to infer its contents from Franklin 's reply. 
The necessary inference from this reply is, that Price, 
as Grand Master of New England, addressed a letter 
to Franklin, as Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 
Franklin's newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, of 
June 27, 1734, contains among its local news-items the 
announcement, that on St. John's Day, June 24, 1734, 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania met at the Tun 
Tavern, in Water street, Philadelphia, and elected 
Benjamin Franklin Grand Master of Pennsylvania, 

194 



flDasonic Xettcrs of jfranftlin 



for the year ensuing, with other Grand Officers. The 
Gazette regularly exchanged with the Boston papers, 
and they reprinted each other's local news, so that 
in this way the Boston Brethren, no doubt, learned 
that Franklin was Grand Master of Pennsylvania. 
In the same manner, from previous issues of the 
Gazette, they learned of prior Masonic proceedings 
in Pennsylvania, beginning with the Gazette of 
December 8, 1730, which announced the existence, at 
that date, of "several Lodges of Freemasons erected 
in this Province" [Pennsylvania]; followed by the 
issue of June 26, 1732, announcing the unanimous 
election of "the Worshipful W. Allen" as "Grand 
Master of this Province." Both of these announce- 
ments were public property long before the date of 
the first deputation to Henry Price, which was of 
April 30, 1733. No doubt these public announcements 
of the formal establishment of Freemasonry in Penn- 
sylvania led Price to apply for his deputation for 
Neiv England. If this view be correct, and we firmly 
believe it is, Masonry in Boston owes its origin to 
the inspiration it derived from the prior successful 
establishment of Masonry in Philadelphia. 

3. Franklin mentions, in his official letter, that he 
has "seen in the Boston prints an article of news 
from London, importing that at a Grand Lodge held 
there in August last, Mr. Price's deputation and 
power was extended over all America." We would 
remark here, that neither these "Boston prints," nor 

195 



1706— Gbe jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 



any London prints, have since been found containing 
such a news-item. Moreover, it has been ascertained 
that no Grand Lodge was held in London in August, 
173-1. The alleged extension of Price's original depu- 
tation is a pure myth. Henry Price himself never 
exhibited even a copy of it, nor does any such 
copy appear on the Boston records of the Provincial 
Grand Lodge, which appear so full in every other re- 
spect. Price was prolific in copies, but he had no 
copy of this. There is no trace of it, or of any 
deputation whatever to Price, on the records of the 
Grand Lodge of England. It rests merely upon 
Price's ipse dixit, and the news item (which he may 
have inspired) in the Boston prints. It is simply 
impossible that any such extended Masonic jurisdic- 
tion, over " all America " should have been granted 
by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master of England, 
without there appearing a trace of it in any official 
quarter. 

4. Note Franklin's characteristic and praiseworthy 
caution, manifested in his statement, that the alleged 
extension of Price's deputation "has not been as 
yet regularly signified to us by you," and his request 
for "a copy of the E. W. Grand Master's first Depu- 
tation, and of the instrument by which it appears to 
be enlarged, as above mentioned, witnessed by your 
Wardens and signed by the Secretary." In other 
words, Franklin wanted strictly official information, 
first of Price's authority as Provincial Grand Master 

196 



fiDasonic Xetters of jfranfclin 

of New England, and second as Grand Master of all 
America— neither of which he ever received ! Neither 
in Boston, nor in Philadelphia, is there any evidence 
that Price ever responded to Franklin's urgent re- 
quest for certified copies of his two alleged deputa- 
tions ! 

5. Franklin explicitly informs Price that "the 
Brethren of Pennsylvania, . . . at present [Nov. 28, 
1734] enjoy the privileges of holding annually their 
Grand Lodge [and] choosing their Grand Master, 
Wardens and other officers . . . the said Grand Mas- 
ter of Pennsylvania only yielding his chair when the 
Grand Master of all America shall be in place." 
How can our Boston Brethren, in the face of this 
Franklin letter {which is their own testimony), assert 
that Price has previously first given Franklin author- 
ity to establish Masonry in Pennsylvania? Would 
Franklin, as Master of a subordinate Lodge in Phila- 
delphia, or as Grand Master of Pennsylvania by 
Price's appointment, decline to vacate his chair to 
him who had previously granted him his authority, 
and only agree to yield it to him as Grand Master of 
all America? The oft-repeated, and never substan- 
tiated, assertion of our Boston Brethren, that Price 
first established Masonry in Philadelphia in 1734, is 
simply absurd. Various issues of the Pennsylvania 
Gazette, from 1730 to 1734, contradict it, as does also 
Franklin's letter to Price of Nov. 28, 1734, now under 
consideration. Price caused to be written, at a later 

197 



1706— £be jfranftltn Bicentenary— 1906 

day (1751-2), various statements on the records of 
Massachusetts which were not facts, and this is one 
of them. Bro. Jacob Norton, of Boston, has clearly 
exposed a number of others. 

6. The whole tenor of his letter to Price shows, that 
Franklin regarded himself as Price's peer as a Grand 
Master, unless the latter 's authority had been ex- 
tended by the Grand Lodge of England (to which 
they both owed obedience) over all America. He was 
no subordinate of Price's, neither was his Grand 
Lodge subordinate to the Provincial Grand Lodge of 
New England. If, as our Boston Brethren seem to 
contend, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was, from 
1731 to 1734, an independent Grand Lodge, why 
should Franklin be ready to yield obedience to a 
Provincial Grand Master of all America appointed 
by a power (the Grand Lodge of England) to which 
he was not subject! It was because Pennsylvania 
Masonry derived its Masonic life from the Grand 
Lodge of England, that Franklin was ready to yield 
his chair to England's Provincial Grand Master of 
all America— in case such an officer existed. 

7. In 1734 there were in Philadelphia, according to 
Franklin's personal letter, "some false and rebel 
Brethren, who are foreigners," and these were "about 
to set up a distinct Lodge, in opposition to the old 
and true Brethren here, pretending to make Masons 
for a bowl of punch." When Franklin read, in the 
"Boston prints," that Price's "deputation and power 

198 



fiDasonic Xettere of franklin 

was extended over all America," he wisely thought 
that it would not only be proper for the Brethren in 
Pennsylvania to receive explicit recognition from the 
"Grand Master of all America," but that they would 
be in duty bound to pay homage to this superior 
Masonic officer, in case such existed. The fact should 
here be recalled, that in the deputation to Daniel 
Coxe, as Provincial Grand Master of the provinces of 
New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, of date 
June 5, 1730, Coxe was appointed for two years, and 
that, according to the language of his deputation, ' ' the 
Brethren who do now reside, or who may hereafter 
reside, in all or any of the said Provinces, shall and 
they are hereby empowered, every other year on the 
feast of St. John the Baptist to elect a Provincial 
Grand Master," Coxe's deputation extended to June 
24, 1732. Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette, of June 
26, 1732, proves that the Brethren of Pennsylvania, 
on that very date— June 24, 1732, exercised their 
right, in accordance with the Coxe deputation, to elect 
a Provincial Grand Master for the single Province of 
Pennsylvania, and that William Allen was the first, 
and the "unanimously chosen," Grand Master of 
Pennsylvania. Liber B, authenticates this fact. 
But there were, in 1734, "false and rebel Brethren 
who are foreigners" in Philadelphia, who were 
"about to set up a distinct Lodge," and hence if a 
"Grand Master of all America" existed, in the per- 
son of Henry Price, Franklin sought to have "the 

13 199 



1706— £be jfranfelin Bicentenary— 1906 

true Brethren . . . countenaced and distinguished by 
some such special authority," or, as he phrased it 
elsewhere, in the first letter, by "the sanction of some 
authority derived from home," as Price's purported 
to be. The true Brethren in Pennsylvania had no 
need of this "sanction," but it was desired specially 
for the purpose of overawing the "false and rebel 
Brethren." That the "true Brethren" did not need 
it, is shown by Franklin's distinct assertion to Price, 
that "the Brethren of Pennsylvania ... at present 
enjoy the privileges of holding their Grand Lodge 
[and] choosing their Grand Master, Wardens and 
other officers." It will also be noted, that every Grand 
Master of Pennsylvania, from William Allen, in 1732, 
downwards, always appointed his Deputy Master, 
which officer was peculiar to a Grand Lodge, distin- 
guishing it from a subordinate Lodge. 

8. In the postscript to his personal letter, Franklin 
said to Price, "If more of the Constitutions are 
wanted among you, please hint it to me." This re- 
ferred to Franklin's reprint of Anderson's A. D. 1723 
"Constitutions of the Freemason," published by him 
in May, 1734, in Philadelphia— being the first Masonic 
book printed in America, and advertised for sale by 
Franklin in the Pennsylvania Gazette during May of 
that year. Franklin had visited Boston in the latter 
part of May or first of June, 1734. In his "Auto- 
biography" he thus writes of this visit: "After ten 
years' absence from Boston, and having become easy 

200 



fiDasonic Xetters of jfranblin 

in my circumstances, I made a journey thither to 
visit my relations, which I could not sooner well 
afford. In returning I call'd at Newport, to see my 
brother, then settled there with his printing house." 
It is evident that Price had ordered, and received, 
some of these "Constitutions" from Franklin. It 
is also evident, from the title-page, that these "Con- 
stitutions" were "'printed by authority"— presum- 
ably that of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of 
which Franklin became, on June 24, 1734, the Grand 
Master. It is also clear that there must have been 
at that time a sufficient number of Freemasons in 
Pennsylvania, and the neighboring provinces, to war- 
rant Feanklin in reprinting this important Masonic 
work. 

9. Not only did Henry Price recognize Franklin as 
a Grand Master when he officially wrote him on 
October 23, 1734, but the Grand Lodge of Massachu- 
setts itself recognized him as such on October 11, 1754, 
when Franklin was formally received and welcomed 
as a visitor to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, as 
its records show. 

10. In view of the foregoing plain and well attested 
facts, how puerile is the recent assertion of the Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts that Henry Price was the 
father of "duly constituted" Masonry in America! 
He was rather the founder of "hearsay" Masonry 
in Boston, since his own deputation is only provable 
by a copy made by himself, and eighteen years after- 

201 



1706— Gbe jfranfcltn Bicentenary— 1906 

wards "written up" by the then Grand Secretary 
Pelham, and unattested by any original or other 
record of even date in England. Freemasonry in 
Pennsylvania is a matter of original contempor- 
aneous record, in England and in Philadelphia, 
by deputation and by the exercise of the rights 
accorded the Freemasons of Pennsylvania under 
Coxe's deputation. The official records prove that 
the authority existed, and contemporaneous printed 
statements prove that the authority was exercised, 
and the Craft in the great jurisdiction of Penn- 
sylvania to-day is the result. We are satisfied. Be- 
sides, we have in Philadelphia the original records 
of our St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia, from 1731 to 
1738— the oldest original Masonic records in America, 
and they fortify all that has been claimed for Free- 
masonry in Pennsylvania, and authenticate our view 
of Franklin's letters to Price. 



202 



AN ACCOUNT OF ST. JOHN'S LODGE, 

PHILADELPHIA, AND ITS 

"LIBER B" 

By Brother James M. Lamberton, 
Junior Grand Deacon. 

On February 27, 1884, the attention of the late R. 

W. Past Grand Master Brother Clifford P. MacCalla, 

then the R. W. Junior Grand Warden of the Grand 

Lodge of Pennsylvania, was brought to a book in the 

Library of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 

corner of 13th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, which 

upon examination proved to be a Masonic record book 

of St. John's Lodge, of Philadelphia, the front cover 

having upon it 

"Philadelphia City, 

St. John's Lodge, Libr. B." 

It is the account book of the Lodge, containing the 
general cash account of the Lodge as well as the 
accounts of the Lodge with its members, from June 
24, 1731, to June 24, 1738. (There is one entry June 
24, 1739.) 

This book, by the courtesy of the authorities of 
the Historical Society, was exhibited by Brother Mac- 
Calla at a meeting of Lodge No. 51, on the day follow- 
ing its discovery, during a lecture by Brother Mac- 
Calla in Ionic Hall in the Masonic Temple, Phila- 
delphia, upon "A Remarkable Masonic Life," that 
of Benjamin Franklin, and to Past Grand Mas- 

203 



1706— Zbe ffranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

ter MacCalla are the Fraternity in Pennsylvania 
indebted for the information which has been col- 
lected with regard to this old Lodge. The book, 
being without doubt the oldest Masonic record book 
yet discovered in this country, is of the greatest 
interest to Masonic students, and so valuable and 
important did it seem to the R. W. Grand Mas- 
ter, Brother Conrad B. Day, that he had a num- 
ber of its pages phototyped, and a copy of the same 
was sent to every Grand Lodge with which the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was in fraternal com- 
munication. 1 

The book was presented to the Historical Society 
of Pennsylvania, November 8, 1880, by Mr. George T. 
Ingham, of Salem, New Jersey, who received it from 
a descendant of David Hall, a partner with Franklin 
in the printing and publishing business. The book is 
of the blank book pattern, being 74 inches wide and 
12 inches long, and two inches thick, containing 257 
leaves, a large number being blank. It is bound 
in stiff vellum and is quite well preserved. The 
paper is of the usual style of that day, impressed or 
not calendered, having several water marks. 

The first twelve leaves, where the index is, and 
the last two, are not ruled. Beginning at the 179th 
leaf, six pages are used for the accounts of the 
Wardens; then follows "The Lodge General Acct. 
of Expenses to Owen Owen, for the Year 1736," cov- 
ering four pages. At the 184th leaf "Stock" begins. 

'Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1884, p. 77. 

204 



St. 3obn's TLoSqc, lPbila&elpbia 



A portion of the book was used in 1790 and 1791 
(Franklin died April 17, 1790), to keep accounts of 
the copies of Prayer Books, the New Testament, and 
Laws of Pennsylvania, printed by some party. 

The fact that this book is marked "Libr. B" indi- 
cates a previous —"Libr. A," but whether "Libr. A" 
was an earlier account book, or the book in which 
the minutes of the Lodge were recorded, there is no 
way of determining. 

As before stated in the address of Brother Sachse, 
the Masonic entries were printed in full in the first 
Reprint of the Minutes of the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania, 1730-1808. 

At the beginning is an alphabetical index of the 
names of the Brethren whose acounts with the Lodge 
are contained in the body of the book. 

An examination of the handwriting leads to the 
opinion that Thomas Boude was the first Secretary 
of the Lodge, he also acting as Treasurer, as was the 
custom in the early days of the Grand Lodge of 
England ; later, in December, 1733, there was a change, 
and from a careful comparison of the entries with 
others known to be by Franklin, it appears that 
Franklin was for the last two years the Secretary 
and Treasurer. 

From this book we learn that William Allen was 
Grand Master in 1731; the first notice of his election 
heretofore known was that which is recorded in the 
Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 187, June 19 to June 26, 
1731, as having taken place on St. John the Baptist's 

206 



1706— £be jfranhltn Bicentenary— 1906 " 

Day, 1732, of which Brother Sachse made mention 
in his address. 

The accounts of the first fourteen members, whose 
names are given below, begin with June 24, 1731, and 
tbirteen of these are charged with "5 Lodge days 
omitions @ 6 per Diem," the fourteenth (the first 
on the list), "William Button, Late Master," is 
charged "To 4 Lodge days, at 6d. per Diem, due 
before you sail'd to Newfoundland." 

A comparison of the dates upon which the "omi- 
tion" or "monthly quoto" is charged in these accounts 
with the calendars for the years named, shows that 
with the exception of June 24. 1731, which was a 
Thursday, October 19, 1732, which was a Thursday, 
and September 29, 1733, which was a Saturday, the 
Lodge met on the first Monday of the month. In 1731, 
the first Monday of February was the first day, when 
it seems that Benjamin Franklin and Henry Pratt 
were initiated, William Button being Worshipful 
Master and Thomas Hart, "Bricklayer in town" (to 
distinguish him from Thomas Hart, farmer) was one 
of the Wardens: whether the Lodge was constituted 
on that date or prior thereto, no one can now tell. 

The time of the meeting, the first Monday of the 
month, identified St. John's Lodge with the Lodge 
which is entered in the Dublin (Ireland) "Free- 
mason's Pocket-Companion," printed in 1735, as "No. 
116, The Hoop in Water Street, in Philadelphia, 1st 
Monday." 



St. 3obn's lodge, pbilafcelpbia 

The list gives first the thirty-seven Irish Lodges, 
and then continues with "A List of the Warranted 
Lodges in Great Britain, France. &c", numbered 3S 
to 163; so that to obtain the number of the Lodge on 
the English list, it is necessary to subtract 37 : as a 
consequence Xo. 116 on the Irish list would be No. 
79 on the English list. The date of the constitution of 
Lodges Xos. 116 at Philadelphia, and 117 at Maccles- 
field, is not given, but Xos. 113 and 114, and IIS. 119 and 
120, are all "A. D. 1731." Brother William James 
Hvghax, the well-known English Masonic writer, to 
whom the Grand Lodge Library is indebted for a copy 
of the very rare " Freemason's Pocket Companion" 
for 1735. is of the opinion that "allowing for the dis- 
tance to Xew England from London, and the slowness 
of transit in those days, as also the probability of 
delay in sending word of its constitution, it was doubt- 
less started in A. D. 1730. " l 

That the Lodge had By-laws or Articles before 
those reported by the Committee, of which Frasklix 
was a member and the writer of the report, as detailed 
by Brother Sachsk ante, page 68, is evident from the 
entry under date of June "24. 1731, in the account of 
one of the Brethren: 

"To anioreeiuent for Breach of our 6th Article this day 
twice 2s. ' ' 

The account shows that the "ainoreernent" or 
•"amercement" was paid July 5. 1731. 

'Proceeding of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1S75. p. SO. 

•JOT 



1706— £be jfranklin Bicentenary — 1906 

Other interesting items in the accounts are under 
the account of Lawrence Reynolds: 

"June 25, 1733. By Laurence Reynolds his acct the Lodge 
is Dr for Aprons, 20 in number, @ 2s. £2. ' ' 

and in the account of David Parry: 

"June 24, 1733, By gloves Delved to this Lodge day 12 
months past, as p. acct hereto annexed £1. 16. 0." 

and the account of William Deering: 

"By an allowance for a painted foot cloth £3." 

The book contains the accounts of "Mess™. Shippen 
& Pratt," "Wardens for the year 1736," of "Mess 18 . 
Pratt & Syng," "Wardens for the year 1737," and 
"Mess rs . Thos. Cadwallader and Tho s . Boude," 
"Wardens for the year 1737 [sic]." 

In the first, we find this item: 

"June 30. By Cash pd. for cleaning the aprons, etc. 9." 

and in the last the following: 

"By Richard Parkhouse cash pd his wife 10 weeks 40s. 
By ditto for his wife's funeral, viz. 

Coffin £1. 10. 1 

Wine 0. 15. 

Sugr & spice 0. 9. 8 

Parson, Sexton 0. 14. 9 

3. 9. 5 



5 9. 5' 



The facts that these Brethren just named above 
as Wardens of St. John's Lodge in the years men- 

208 



St. 3obn's XoOoe, flMMlafcelpbia 



tioned were also the Grand Wardens during these 
same years, and that William Allen is called Grand 
Master, have led some to think that St. John's Lodge 
and the Provincial Grand Lodge, with which Franklin 
had an account (the "Lodge of Masons at Br. Hub- 
ard's" in Franklin's "Ledger A"), which Brother 
Sachse has fully described in his address, p. 94, ante, 
were one and the same: but this is disproved by the 
entire absence of any of the items in "Ledger A" 
from Franklin's account in "Liber B" of St. John's 
Lodge; by the entries of payments by Franklin at 
that time to St. John's Lodge, when his own books 
showed that a very considerable amount was due 
him from this Lodge, if the Grand Lodge and St. 
John's Lodge were one and the same, which would 
be neither good business nor good sense; and by 
several entries in his account in "Liber B." 

Besides, the members of St. John's Lodge were lead- 
ing citizens, and the membership of that Lodge doubt- 
less formed a very large factor in the Grand Lodge 
membership. 

Herewith is a complete list of the names of the 
members, as taken from this Lodge Ledger. Under 
each name, in the original, are given the various 
debits and credits to which the member was entitled. 
The date is given also when the initiation or entrance 
fee was charged to each member, an indication of the 
date when he was made a Mason, or entered the 
Lodge. 



209 



1706— Gbe jfranfclin 3Bt*ccntenan>— 1906 

Names of Members of St. John's Lodge, 1731-1738. 

1. William Button. 

2. William Allen. 

3. Christopher Thompson. 

4. Thomas Hart (in town, late Warden). 

5. Samuel Nicholas. 

6. John Emerson. 

7. Thomas Hart, Farmer. 

8. Thomas Boude. 

9. William Pringle. 

10. Benjamin Franklin, remainder of entrance fee charged, 

June 24, 1731. 

[Entrance Fee £3.] 

11. Henry Pratt, remainder of entrance fee charged, June 

24, 1731. 

12. Mark Joyce, Merch u , entrance fee charged, June 24, 1731. 

13. Thomas Rodman, entrance fee charged, June 24, 1731. 

14. John Hobart (also Hubart), entrance fee charged, June 

24, 1731. 

15. Thomas Whitemarsh, entrance fee charged, July 5, 1731. 

16. John Hall, entrance fee charged, February 7, 1732. 

17. Samuel McClanan, entrance fee charged, February 7, 

1732. 

18. Laurence Reynolds, entrance fee charged, February 7, 

1732. 

19. David Parry, entrance fee charged, March 6, 1732. 

20. Humphry Murray, entrance fee charged, November 6, 

1732. 

21. James Bingham, entrance fee charged, November 6, 1732. 

22. John Crapp, entrance fee charged, March 5, 1732-3. 

23. William Paschal, entrance fee charged, April 2, 1733. 

24. Peter Cuff, entrance fee charged, May 7, 1733. 

Uio 



St. 3obn's Xofcae, ipbtla&elpbta 



25. Richard Parkhouse, entrance fee charged, May 7, 1733. 

26. Owen Owen, entrance fee charged, July 2, 1733. 

27. John Nowenham, entrance fee charged, November 5, 1733. 

28. Thomas Hopkinson, entrance fee charged, November 5, 

1733. 

29. Lambert Emerson, entrance fee charged, November 5, 

1733. 

30. Christopher Routh, entrance fee charged, November 19, 

1733. 

31. Capt. John Waugh, entrance fee charged, January 19, 

1733. 

32. James Hamilton, Esq., entrance fee charged, April 1, 1734. 

33. Isaac Browne, entrance fee charged, April 1, 1734. 

34. Joseph Shippen, entrance fee charged, May 6, 1734. 

35. Thomas Bond, entrance fee charged, June 3, 1734. 

[Entrance fee raised to £5.] 

36. John Robinson, "Atty. Law," entrance fee charged, June 

3, 1734. 

37. William Pyewell, entrance fee charged, June 3, 1734. 

38. William Plumsted, entrance fee charged, July 1, 1734. 

39. Septimus Robinson, entrance fee charged, July 1, 1734. 

40. Joseph Breintnall, entrance fee charged, August 5, 1734. 

41. Philip Syng, entrance fee charged, November 7, 1734. 

42. Josiah Rolfe, entrance fee charged, November 7, 1734. 

43. Richard Howell, entrance fee charged, January 7, 1734. 
44 John Jones, Attorney at Law, entrance fee charged, June 

6, 1737. 

45. William Deering, entrance fee charged, June 6, 1737. 

46. Michael Cario, entrance fee charged, June 6, 1737. 

47. Doctor Thomas Cadwalader, entrance fee charged, June 

6, 1737. 

48. David Humphrey, entrance fee charged, June 6, 1737. 

211 



1706— £be jfranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

49. Thomas Esdaile, entrance fee charged, June 6, 1737. 

50. Henry Lewis, entrance fee charged, June 6, 1737. 

The name of '"Edward Humphreys" is given at 
folio 59, but no entry is made on either the debit or 
credit side of the account. 

Concerning twenty-three of the above named fifty 
Brethren, Past Grand Master MacCalla gathered 
many interesting details as to their character, stand- 
ing, civil and political rank, and we give the following 
summing up of his efforts: 

Of the Brethren named above, eight were mem- 
bers of the American Philosophical Society, viz., Dr. 
Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Thomas Bond, Dr. Thomas 
Cadwaladee, William Allen, Thomas Hopkinson, 
Philip Syng, Joseph Shippen and James Hamilton. 

Nine were lawyers, viz., William Allen, John 
Emerson, Thomas Hopkinson, James Hamilton, John 
Robinson, William Plumsted, Septimus Robinson, 
Josiah Rolfe and John Jones. 

Seven were Judges, viz., William Allen, Dr. 
Franklin, Thomas Hopkinson, William Plumsted, 
Septimus Robinson, Josiah Rolfe and John Jones. 

Four were Mayors of Philadelphia, viz., William 
Allen, Humphrey Murray, James Hamilton and 
William Plumsted. 

Two were High Sheriffs, viz., Owen Owen and 
Joseph Brientnall. 

Two were physicians, viz., Dr. Thomas Bond and 
Dr. Thomas Cadwalader. 

212 



St. 3obn's Xofcoe, ipbilabelpbia 

Two were Coroners, viz., Thomas Boude and Henry 
Pkatt. 

Two were Governors of Pennsylvania, viz., James 
Hamilton and Dr. Franklin. 

It was a member of St. John's Lodge, Dr. Thomas 
Cadwalader, to whom a letter was written by Henry 
Bell, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, under date of No- 
vember 17, 1754, from which, when it was shown in 
the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street, in 1873, the 
following was copied by Brother Francis Blackburne: 

' ' As you well know, I was one of the originators of the first 
Masonic Lodge in Philadelphia. A party of us used to meet 
at the Tun Tavern in Water street and sometimes opened a 
Lodge there. Once, in the fall of 1730, we formed a design 
of obtaining a Charter for a regular Lodge, and made appli- 
cation to the Grand Lodge of England for one, but before 
receiving it, we heard that Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, had 
been appointed by that Grand Lodge as Provincial Grand 
Master of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We, 
therefore, made application to him, and our request was 
granted." 

This letter, since known as "the Bell letter," has 
been the cause of much discussion. Its importance 
was not fully realized by the Brotber who copied it, 
and all efforts to obtain the letter so that its genuine- 
ness could be fully established have so far failed. 

In an address before Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 
2076, of London, England, on September 4, 1890, 
Brother MacCalla, then R. W. Grand Master, said: 

213 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

"It was, in 1872. in the possession of a Mr. Baneker (since 
deceased), and an extract was by permission made from it 
by Brother Francis Blackburne, a clerk in the Grand Secre- 
tary's office, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, in that year, but 
it has never been seen since. Besides Henry Bell does not 
appear to have been a member of St. John 's Lodge, so that it 
seems not to have been the Lodge referred to in the letter as 
warranted by Coxe. We can surmise what we may, but we 
cannot at the present time prove that Coxe warranted either 
the Philadelphia St. John's Lodge of 1731-1738, or any other 
Lodge — although the latter is implied by the Bell letter, if it 
is to be regarded as authentic. In the absence of the original, 
however, we may not fairly argue anything from it." 1 

We agree with the Committee on Library in saying, 
as they did September 25, 1877, "We, at the present 
time, under the circumstances, place only so much 
value on it as far as it is corroborated by other 
facts." 2 

The Brethren will be interested to see Franklin's 
account in "Liber B," and the "Stock of St. John's 
Lodge," which are given herewith. 



'Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, Vol. 3, p. 125. 
'Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1730-1808, 
p. x. 



214 



^■6 



* / / "" ; — ^^^^ 

t%t> ■ ....->... £/„_■. . . . 

'.v .. >? />\v. ?« 

£ i 'H.v.,.i-.:;,_ . . . •. 

■tote.? t££Z„ " 

^-j^'yio^-t 






i, <m 



$*"fffU ^V-/M»^f<H«. l Ht# 



• 2.-^ 
- 2-1 £ 

; l2 t ^ 



..-.. , " h- 



.ft i^c^Kc 1rtf*.c- -frt' x 



%jLfi.j>Grto4ifr 




fp-£»--sS 












m&$-f£ 



»;..* f^/«. .--... - - - - - - - - - £~ 

•- . '^ .-.-..- - - - .- - ; : -~ - - - f .' ^ 

• ; ,.-,../; t ....^ - - - - - • .•-- 









* 
£■ 



PAGE FROM "LIBER B," OF ST. JOHN'S LODGE, PHILADELPHIA, 
A. D. 1731, A. L. 573, 



St. 3obn's Xofcoc, pbilafcdpbia 



14 215 



1706— £be ffranftltn Bicentenary— 1906 



A° Dom. 

1731. 
June 24. 

July 5. 
August 2. 
September 6. 
Oetobr. 

November 1st. 
December 6th. 

1731-2. 
Jany 3. 
february 7th. 
March 6. 

1732. 
April ye 3d. 
May ye 1. 
June ye 5. 

July 3. 
Augst i . 
Septembr 4. 
Oetobr 19. 

Novembr 6. 
Deoenibr 4. 
1732-3. 

Jan. 1. 

february 5. 
March 5. 

1733. 
April 2. 
May 7. 
June 4. 

July 2. 
Augst 6. 

Sept. 3. 
" 29. 
November 5. 

Xbr. 3. 

1734. 
Jan. 7. 
Feb. 4. 
March 4. 
June 3. 



(10) 
BENJ A FRANKLINE to Stock Dr. 

To 5 Lodge days omition @ 6d. per diem,. .£ 2. 6 

To remainder of yor £3 entrance is £2. 0.1,. . 2. 0. 1 

To Stock for this Lodge day 6 

To Stock for this day 6 

To your monthly quota 6d 6 

To quota ' 6 

for absence Is. &■ monthly quota Orf 1. 6 

for quota • 6 

2. 6.7 

for Do., 6 

to Do 6 

for absence Is. & quota 6d., 1. 6 

to quota 6d 6 

for absence Is. & quota 6d 1. 6 

for quota Gd. 6 

£2. 11. 7 

for (Junta 6 

for Do 6 

for Do., 6 

for Do • 6 

for absence Is. & quota Qd 1. 6 

for ditto 1.6 

for quota, 6 

£2. 16. 7 

for Do 6 

for Do., 2 

for absence Is. & quota Gil 1. 6 

for quota 6 

for do _6 

£3. 10. 1 

for Do., 6 

for Do., 6 

This day moneys I'd you tor day book, &c, 15.0 

for Quota 6 

for Quota 6 

for Do ■ 6 

3. 17. 7 
for Do 6 

for Do 6 

for Do 6 

for Do 6 

for Do 1 .6 

216 4. 1.1 



St. 3obn'g Xofcge, lpbilafcelpbia 

(10) 

A° Dom. PER CONTRA. CR. 

1731. 

June 24th. To moneys rec'd overpluss of yr expenses 

entering 2. 2. 7 

July 5. By moneys to stock for this Lodge day 6 

Augst 2. By moneys to stock, 6 

Septembr 6th. By moneys you paid for monthly quota, ... 6 

October 4. By moneys for quota, 6 

Deeembr 6. By moneys paid, 1. 6 

2. 6.1 
1731-2. 

Jany 3d. By do, 6 

f ebruary- 7. By do, 6 

1732. 
April 3. By do, quota & for last time absence 2s., ... 2.0 
June 5. By quota 6d., 6 

£2. 9.7 
" 19. By moneys for absence & quota, 1. 6 

£2. 11. 1 

July 3d. By moneys for quota 6d., 6 

Augst 7. By do., 6 

September 4. By do., 6 

1.6 1.6 
£2. 12. 7 
1732-3. 

March 5. By moneys paid, 4. 6 

By moneys lent the Lodge by William 
Pringle 5s., 5. 

3. 2.1 
1733. 

July 2. I iy moneys for quota 6 

Augst 6. By do., 6 

Novembr 5th. By do., 6 

3. 377 

Cr. by Day Book, 13s., 13.0 

£3. 16. 7 

Dec. 3. By do 6 

1734. 

Jan. 7. By do., 6 

Mar. 4. By do., 6 

£3. 18. 1 
1734. By cash rec'd, 3. 

£4. 1.1 
See new acct. in Folio. 

217 



1706— £be jfranfcltn Bi*centcnan>— 1906 

(45) 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, DR. 

1735. 
June 2. To one year's Stock, £ 6. 

1726, June 7. To ditto, 6. 

£ 12. 

1737, June 7. To ditto, 0. 6. 

Ditto. To the Lodge's general acet. of expence,. ... 14. 7 

£1. 0.7 

1738, June 24. to one year's Stock, £ 6. 



218 



St. 3obn's Xofcge, Philadelphia 



1734-5. 



(45) 
P. CONTRA. CR. 



March. By cash rec'd for 3 Qr.' by Payments, £ 4 6 

1735. 

Dec. 1. By ditto for 2 ditto . . 3 

1736. 

April 6. By ditto for 1 ditto 1. 6 

June 24. By ditto for a payment due the last year, .. . 1.6 

Do. By ditto in full to this date, 1. 6 

£ 12.1 

1737. 

June 7. By cash in full, £1. o. 7 



219 



1706— £be ffranfeltn Bicentenary— 1906 

A° Dom. Stock of ST. JOHN'S LODGE, City Phila. DR. 
1731. 

June 24th. To Wm. Allen, Esq., Grand Master £ 2. 6 

To Xtopher Thompson, 2.6 

To Jno Emerson, 2.6 

To Thos. Boude, 2. 6 

To William Pringle, Deputy Mastr 2. 6 

To Benj. Franklin 2. 2. 7 

To Marke Joyce, 9. S 

To Thos. Rodman, 2. 6 

To Jno Hobart 2. 6 

£3. 9.9 

July 5. To Jno Emerson, for amercement 2. 

To Thos. Hart, late Warden, for omissions, 

2. 6, & this Day, 6, 3. 

To Wm. Pringle, to this day Quota to 

Stock, 6 

To Thos. Bonde for Do., 6 

To Marke Joyce for Do., 6 

To Jno. Emerson for Do., 6 

To Xtopher Thompson for Do., 6 

To Benjamin Franklin for Do., 6 

To Jno. Hobart for Do. 6 

3. 6 3. 6 

£3. 18. 3 

August 2. To this Booke bot when Blanck, 16 16. 

To Mr. Joyce paid to Stock for this day, . . 6 

To Mr. Pratt £2. 3. and absence last meeting, 

Is. 6. amounts to, 2. 4. 7 

To Mr. Tomson, 6 

To Mr. Hart, farmer 6 

To Mr. Franklin, 6 

To Mr. Whitemarch 2. 1.10 

To John Hobart, 6 

To Sam'l Nicholas, 4. 6 

220 



St. 3obn's Xofcoe, fl>btlai>elpMa 



A°Dom. 
1731. 

June 24. 



CONTRA. 



CR. 



July 5. 



August 2. 



To Wm. Button, Late Master, £ 2. 

To Thos. Hart, farmer, 2. 6 

To Sam'l Nicholas, 2. 6 

To Thos. Hart, Late Warden, 2.6 

To Henry Pratt, 2. 2.7 

£2. 12. 1 

To Jno. Emerson, amercement, 2. 

To Win. Allen, Esq., for absence this 

day Is., and Quota to Stock 6, 

To Sam'l Nichols for Do., Is. 6. 

To Thomas Hart, fanner, Do., 1. 6, 

To Henry Pratt, Do 1. 6. 

To Thos. Rodman, Do 1. 6. 

7. 6 7.6 
£3. 1.7 
To this book when blank, which now was 

paid for out of stock, 16. 

To William Allen, Esq., & Cash received 

this day 2.6 

To Christopher Tomson, Ditto, 3. 6 

To Thomas Hart, in town, late Warden, . . 3.0 

To Saml. Nicholas, 4. 6 

To John Emerson, 5. 

To Thomas Hart, farmer, 6 

To Thomas Boude, 3. 6 

To Wm. Pringle 3. 

To Benjn. Frankline, £2. 3. 7 

To Henry Pratt 2. 4.7 

To Mark Joyce, 10. 8 

To Thomas Rodman, 2.6 

To John Hobart 3.0 

To Thomas Whitemarsh, 2. 11. 10 

This is the whole sume of money paid 
into stock of St. John's Lodge to this 
day of Augst., 1731, viz., £S. 11. S 

Out of which sm £8. lis 8d., the price 

of this book 16s., is taken out, 16. 

So that this 2nd day of August, 1731, 
Remains in this stock, viz., £7. 15. 8 

221 



1 706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

September 6. To Christopher Tomson Paid to stock for 

monthly Quota, G. 

To John Hobart for Ditto C. 

To Thos. Whitemarsh for Ditto, G. 

To Wm. Pringle Ditto for two nights, 1. 0. 

To Benj. Frankline Do., one night, 6. 

To Thomas Hart for Do., late Warden,. ... G. 



St. 3obn's TLobge, ipbilafcelpbia 

September 6th. Paid to Stock for monthly Quotas this day, 
viz: 

by Christopher Tompson, 6. 

John Hobart, 6. 

Thomas Whitemarsh, 6. 

Mark Joyce, 6. 

Wm, Pringle, for ten months, 1.0. 

Benjn Frankline, for one month, 6. 

Thomas Hart, late Warden, 6. 



So that the whole stock is this 6th day 

of September, £7. 19. 8 

A° Dom. 

1731. 

September 6. Brot forward from the leaf preceding this. .£7. 19. 8 

To moneys Paid into stock this day, viz : 

by Saml Nicholas, 6. 

by Thos. Hart, late Warden 6. 

Christopher Thompson 6. 

Henry Pratt, 6. 

Wm. Pringle, (3. 

Benjn Frankline, 6. 

John Hobart, 6. 

So that whole stock this is this day in 

bank is, viz £8. 3. 8 



223 



THE 

CONSTITUTIONS 

O F T H E 

FREE-MASONS. 

CONTAINING THE 

Hiftory, Charges, Regulations, 6tc. 
of that moft Ancient and Right 
Worfhipful FRATERNITY. 

For the Ufe of the LODGES. 






LONDON Printed ; Jmo 5723. 

"Re-printed in (Philadelphia "by f pedal Order, for the Ufc 

of the Brethren in NORTH- J ME RICJ. 

In ihc Yea» of Mafonry 5734, Jnm Domlm 1734. 



Reproduced in Fac-yimile by Me R. W. Grjvnd Lodge «f Pennj^Ivania.. 
In Me Yeetr cf Masonry 5906 ; Anno Domini 1906. 



225 



mmmmmmmmiiim^mmii 

m& mm mwt mw* m&¥ mm m 



T O 

His Grace the DUKE of 

MONTAGU. 

My Lord, 




SSftlSs the prefent Right Wor- 

Inipiul Gran d-Ma ste r 

of the Free-Mafom ; and, as his 

A z Deputy, 



227 



Dedication. 

Deputy, I humbly dedicate this 
Book of the Conflitutions of our 
ancient Fraternity to your Grace, 
inTeftimony of your honourable, 
prudent, and vigilant Difcharge 
of the Office of our Grand. 
Master laft Year. 

I need not tell your Grace 
what Pains our learned Author 
has taken in compiling and diges- 
ting this Book from the old Re- 
cords > and how accurately he has 
compafd and made everything a- 
greeable to Hiftory and Chronology, 
fo as to render thefe New Con- 
stitutions 



228 



Dedication, 
stitutions a jufl and exad Ae- 
counc of Mafonry from the Begin- 
ning of the World to your Graces 
Majterjhip, fiill preferving all that 
was truly ancient and authentick 
in the old ones : For every Bro- 
ther will be pleas'd with the Per- 
formance, that knows it had your 
Grace's Perufal and Approbation, 
and that it is now printed for the 
Ufe of the Lodges, after it was 
approv'd by the Grand Lodge, 
when your Grace was Grand- 
Master, All the Brother- hood 
will ever remember the Honour 
your Grace has done them, and 

your 



229 



Dedication. 

your Care for their Peace, Har- 
mony, and Iafting Friendfhip : 
Which none is more duly fenfible 
of than, 

My LORD. 
Your Grace's 
mofi obligd, and 
mofi obedient Servant y 
and Faithful Brother, 



J. T. Desaguliers, 
Deputy Grand-Mafter. 



•J30 



7]«fc 



<&* «Jr* *4> c ifc» ste *4" '•i* *A> «<£» 



THE 

CONSTITUTION, 

Hiftory, Laws, Charges, Orders, 
Regulations, and Ufages, 

O F T H E 

Right Worflnpful FRATERNITY 

OF ACCEPTED 

Free-Mafons; 

Colkaed from their general R E C O R D S, and 
their faithful TRADITIONS of many 
Ages. 

TO BE READ 

Jt the Jdmiffton of a NEW BROTHER when 
the Matter or Warden Jhall begin, or order fome other 
Brother to read as follows : 

¥8>* *«2 i DJMy our firft Parent, created after the 
5^58SSj Image of God, the great Architect of the 
1^5^ SI Univerfe, muft have .had the Liberal 
S^5^2§§:H: Sciences, particularly Geometry, written Year of 
£**fo$m*l on his Heart; for even fince the Fall, the/fWrf 
we find the Principles of it in the Hearts of his Off- 400J ' bc- 
fpring, and which, in procefs of time, have been fore Gbrj/t 

drawa . 



15 



231 



drawn forth into a convenient Method ofQropoJittons, 
by obferving the Laws of ^Proportion taken from Me- 
chanifm : So that as the Mechanical Arts gave Occafion 
to the Learned to reduce the Elements of 'Geometry 
into Method, this noble Science thus reduc'd, is the 
Foundation of all thofe Arts, (particularly of Mafonry 
and Architecture) and the Rule by which they are con- 
duced and perform'd. 

No doubt Adam taught his Sons Geometry^ and the 
ufe of it, in the feveral Arts and Crafts convenient, 
at leaft for thofe early Times ; for C A I N, we find, 
built a City, which he call'd CONSECRATED, or 
DEDICATED, after the Name of his eldefb Son 
ENOCH ; and becoming the Prince of the one Half 
of Mankind, his Pofterity would imitate his royal Ex- 
ample in improving both the noble Science and the 
ufeful Art. * 

Nor can we fuppofe that SETH was lefs inftru&ed, 
who being the Prince of the other Half of Mankind, 
and alio the prime Cultivator of Ajlronomy, would take 
equal care to teach Geometry and Mafonry to his Offspring, 
who had alfo the mighty Advantage of Adam's living 
among them.f 



* As olher Arts were nljo improved by them, v'u. working in Met.il by TUBAL 
CAIN, Mafic by JUBAL, Paftorage WTent-Making by JABAL, which 
\afi it rood Architecture. 

| For by (ome Veftiges of Antiquity we find one of 'em, godly ENOCH {who 
dy'dnot, but was tranjlated olive to Heaven) prophecy ing of the. final Conflagration 
at ike Day of Judgment (as St jfude rells us) and likewife of the General De- 
luge for thePunifbmertcf the IVorld: Upon which he erelled hitlwo large Pillars, 
{tio'fome afenbe them to Scth) the tne of Stone, and the other of Brick, whereon 
were engraven the Liberal Sciences, &c. And that the Stone Pillar ttemain'd in 
Syria until the DaysofVefpaCianthe Emperor, 

But 



232 



But without regarding uncertain Accounts, we may 
fafely conclude the old World, that lalted 1656 Years, 
could not be ignorant of Mafonry; and that both the 
Families of Sethand Ca/«erefted many curious Works, 
until at length NOAH, the ninth from Seth, was com- 
manded and directed of God to build the great Jrk, 
which, th.o' of Wood, was certainly fabricated by 
Geometry ', and according to the Rules of Mafonry. 

NOAH, and his three Sons, JAPHET, SHEM", 
and HAM, all Mafonstrue, brought with them over the 
Flood the Traditions and Arts of the Jnte-deluvians, 
and amply communicated them to their growing Mundi 
Offspring ; for about 10 1 Years after the Flood we find 1757 
a vaft Number of 'em, if not the whole Race of Noah, ^ t * c T hr 
in the Vale of Shinar, employ'd in building a City and 
large Tower, in order to make to themfelves a Name, 
and to prevent their Difperfion. And tho' they carry'd 
on the Work to amonftrous Height, and by their Va- 
nity provok'd God to confound their Devices, by con- 
founding their Speech, which occafion'd their Difper- 
fion ; yet their Skill in Mafonry is not the Iefs to be , 8 , 
celebrated, having fpcnt above 53 Years in that pro- 2194- 
digious Work, and upon their Difperfion carry'd the AnteChr - 
mighty Knowledge with them into diftant Parts, where 
they found the good Ufe of it in the Settlement of 
their Kingdoms, Commonwealths, and Dyna flies. And 
tho' afterwards it was loft in mofr. Parts of the Earth, it 
was efpecially preferv'd in Shinar and Affyna, where 

B. NIMROD, 



233 



NIMROD, * the Founder of that Monarchy, after the 
Difperfion, built many fplendid Cities, as Ereck, Jccad, 
and Calneh,in SHINAR ; from whence afterwards he 
went forth into ASSYRIA, and built Niniveh, Reho- 
both, Caleb, and Rhefw. 

In thefe Parts, upon the Tygris and Euphrates, after- 
wards flourifli'd many learned 'Tr lefts and Mathematicians, 
known by the Names of CHALDEES and MAGI, 
who preferv'd the good Science, Geometry, as the KINGS 
and great Men encourag'd the Royal Jrt. But it is not 
expedient to fpeak more plain of the Premifes, except 
in a formed Lodge. 

From hence, therefore, the Science and Jrt were both 
tranfmitted to latter Ages and diltant Cljmes, notwith- 
ftanding the Confufion of Languages or Dialects, which 
tho' it might help to give Rife to the Mafons Faculty 
and ancient univerfal Practice of converfing without 
ipeaking, and of knowing each other at a Diftance, 
yet hinder'd not the Improvement of Majbnry in each 
Colony and their Communication in their diftinft Nati- 
onal Dialeft. 

And,' no doubt, the Royal Art was brought down 

to Egypt by MITZRAIM, the fecond Son of Ham, 

A. M. about fix Years after the Confufion at Babel, and after 

i*lt' the Flood 160 Years, when he red thither his Colony j 

AntcChr. (for Egypt is Mitzraim in Hebrew ) becaufc we find the 

* NIMROD, which fignifies a Rebel, <was the Name gilen him by tht 
txly Family, and by Mofes ; but among his Friends /nChaldea, his proper Nam* 
•was, BELUS, which Jignifes LORD ; and ejlerwards^was wor/iipped as a God 
by ninny Nations, under the Name tf Bel or Baal, and became the 'Bacchus of the 
jncients, or Bit Chus, the Son oj CHUS. 

River 



234 



River Nile's overflowing its Banks, fbon caus'd an Im- 
provement in Geometry, which confequently brought 
Majbnry much in requeft : For the ancient noble Cities, 
with the other magnificent Edifices of that Country, 
and particularly the famous PYRAMIDS, demonftratc 
the early Tafte and Genius of that ancient Kingdom. 
Nay, one of thofe Egyptian PYRAMIDS * is reckon'd 
the Ftrft of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Ac- 
count of which, by Hiftorians and Travellers, is almoft 
incredible. 

The Sacred Records inform us well that the eleven 
great Sons of CANAAN (the youngeft Son of Ham) 
loon fortified themfelves in ftrong Holds, and ftately 
walled Cities, and erected moft beautiful Temples and 
Manfions ; for when the Ifraelites, under the great. 
Jojbua, invaded their Country, they found it fo regu- 
larly fene'd, that without the immediate Intervention of 
God in behalf of his peculiar People, the Canaamtes 
were impregnable and invincible. Nor can we fuppole 
lefs of the other Sons of Ham, viz. Cujb, his eldefr, in 
South Arabia, and What, or Qhuts, (now called Fez) in 
Weft Jfrica. 

And furely the fair and gallant Pofterity of JA- 
PHET, (the cldeft Son ofNoab) evenfuch as travell'd 
into the Ifles of the Gentiles, mult have been equally 
skill'd in Geometry and Mafonry \ tho* we know little- 



* The Marble Stones, brought a vajl way from lie Scarries of "Arabia, were molt 
of 'em jo Foot long ; and its Foundation cover dihe Ground 700 Foot on each Side, 
or 2800 Foot in Compafs, and 48 1 in prrpendciular Height. Aild in perjeSing 
it wire emplot'd every bay, for 20 whole Years, 560,000 Men, by fame ancient 
Egyptian King long before the Ifraelites viere a People, for the Honour of bis Em- 
pire, and ot l*fl it becoma bis Tomb. 

B. 2. of 



235 



of their Tranfa&ions and mighty Works, until their 
oiiginal Knowledge was almoft loft by the Havock of 
War, and by not maintaining a due Correfpondence 
with the polite and learned Nations ; for when that 
Correfpondence was open'd in After-Ages, we find they 
began to be moil curious Architects. 

The Pofterity of SHEM had alfo equal Opportuni- 
ties of cultivating theufeful Jrt, even thofeof 'em that 
planted their Colonies in the South and Eaft of dfia; 
much more thofe of 'em, that in the great Jffjrian 
Empire, liv'd in a feparate State, or were blended with 
other Families: Nay, that holy Branch of SHEM 
(of whom, as concerning the Flefh, CHRIST came ) 
A M. could not be unskilful in the learned Arts of sl/fyria; 
\° 9 \\ for A BR AM, after the Confufion at Babel about 268 
AnteChr. Years, was called out of Ur of the Chaldees, where he 
learned Geometry, and the Jrts that are perform'd by 
it, which he would carefully tranfrnit to Ifhmael, to 
ifoac, and to his Sons by Ketnrab ; and by Ifaac, to 
Efau, and Jacob, and the twelve Patriarchs : I y, the 
Jews believe that ABR AM alfo inftrufted the Egyp- 
tians in the JJp/rian Learning.. 

Indeed, the feled Family long ufed Military Jrchi- 
teclure only, as they were Sojourners among Strangers; 
A.M. but before the 430 Years of their 'Peregrination were 
2427- expired, even about 86 Years before their Exodus, the 
AmeChr. Kings of Egypt fore'd moft of them to lay down their 
Sheperds Inftrnments, and Warlike Accoutrements, 
and train'd them to another fort of Architecture in 
Stone and Brick, as holy Writ, and other Hiftories, ac- 
quaint us; which God did wifely over-rule, in order to 

make 



236 



$[ 13 

make them good Mafons before they pofTefs'd the 
promis'd Land, then famous for moft curious Ma~ 
finry. 

And while marching to Canaan thro' Jrabia, un- 
der Mofes, God was pleafed to infpire BEZALEEL, 
of the Tribe of Judah, and AHOLIAB, of the Tribe 
of Dan, with Wifdom of Heart for erecting that moft A M 
elorious Tent, ox Tabernacle, wherein the SHECHINAH 2 * ' +• 
refided ; which, tho' not of Stone or Brick, was framed AnteChr 
by Geometry, a moft beautiful Piece of Architecture, 
(and prov'd afterwards the Model of Solomon's Tem- 
ple) according to the Pattern that God had (hewn to 
MOSES in the Mount; who therefore became the 
GENERAL MASTER-MASON, as well as Kingof 
'Jejfurun, being well skill'd in all the Egyptian Lear- 
ning, and divinely infpir'd with more fublime Know- 
ledge in Mafunry. 

So that the Ifraelites, at their leaving Egypt, were a 
whole Kingdom of Mafons, well inftructed, under the 
Conduct of their GRAND MASTER MOSES, who 
often marfhall'd them into a regular and general Lodge, 
while in the Wildernefs, and gave them wife Charges, 
Orders, &c. had they been well obferv'd ! But no more 
of the Premifes muft be mention'd. 

And after they were pofTefs'd of Canaan, the Jfrae- a M 
lites came not fhort of the old Inhabitants in Mafonry y i 5 5 4. 
but rather vaftly improv'd it, by the fpecial Direction ' 4 5 £ 
of Heaven , they fortify'd better, and improv d their 
City-Houfes and the Palaces of their Chiefs, and only 
fell fhort \nfacred Jlrchitefture while the Tabernaok 
flood, but no longer ; for the fineft facred Building of 

the 



237 



the Camanites was the Temple of Dagoti in Gaza of 
the tPh'rfi (tines, very magnificent, and capacious enough 
to receive 5000 Peopleunder its Roof, that was artful- 
ly Tupported by two main Columns* ; and was a won- 
derful Difcovcry of their mighty Skill in true Mafonry, 
as muft be own'd. 

But Dagon's .Temple, and the fineft Structures of 
Tyre and Sidon, could not be compared with the ETER- 
NAL God's Temple at Jerujaletn, begun and finifh'd, 
to the Amazement of all the World, in the fhort fpaceof 
feven Tears and Jix Months, by that wifeft Man and 
moft glorious King of lfrael the Prince of 'Peace and 
Jrcbitetture, SOLOMON (the Son of David, who was 
refufed that Honour for being a Man of Blood) 
by divine Direction, without the Noife of Work-mens 
Tools, though there were employ'd about it no lels 
than 3600 ^Princes, + or Majler-Majbns, to conduct the 
Work according to Solomon's Directions, with 80,000 



A.M. * By which the glorious SAMPSON pull'd it down upon the Lords cfths. 

180 3. Philiftines, and Was alfointangled in the fame Death which he drew upon his En. 

I I 1 I. emtes for pultmgovt his Eyey, after he had reveal'd his Secrets to his Wife, that 

Ante Cbr. betray' d him into their Hands ;for which Wtahtefs he never had the Honour to 

be numhefd among Maf on { : But it is not convenient to Write more of this. 

t In 1 Kings v. 16. they are call'd Harodim, Rulers cr Provofis afftflmg King 
Solomot), wi* ware fet over the iVork, and their humber thctt is only 3 , joo : But 
zChron.ii. 18. they are called Menatzchim,' Overfcers mi Comforters of the 
Rfvpte w Working, and In Number 3,600; becaufe either 300 might he more 
turaraivfrtifis, arid the Overfeers ofthefaid'i,T,oo; cr lather, not fo excellent, ami 
enly Deputy Matters,- to fupply their Places in cafe of Death or Abfexce, that 
[othite might be always 3,500 afting Matters compleat ; orelfe they might be the 
Qverieers of the 70,000 Iih Sabbal, Men of Burden or Labourers, .who were not 
Afafons, but ferved the 80,000 Iih Chotseb, Men of Hewing, calledalfo Ghibl im, 
Stone Cutters and Sculpturerj , and alfo Bonai, Builders in Stone, part of which 
Ulchg'4 to Solomoriy and part-to Hiram; KingofTvie, 1 Kings v. iS. 

Hewers 



238 



Hewers of Stone in the Mountain, or Fellow Crafts- 
men, and 70,000 Labourers, in all 153,600 

befides the Levy under Adonirom, to ^ 

work in the Mountains of 'Lebanon by > 30,000 

turns with the Sidontans, viz. ) 

being in all 183,600 

for which great Number of ingenious Mafons, Solo- 
mon was much oblig'd to HIRAM, or Huram, King 
of Tyre, who fent his Mafons and Carpenters to "Jera- 
falem, and the Firs and Cedars of Lebanon to Joppa 
the next Sea-port. 

But above all, he fent his Namefake HIRAM, or 
Huram, the moft accomplifh'd Mafon upon Earth. * 

And 



* IVe read(2 Chfon. ii. 15 /) Hiram King of Tyre (called there Huram) 
in his Letter to King S OL OMON, fays, I have fent a cunning Man, 
le Huram Abhi, not to be tranjlated according to the vulgar Greek and Latin, 
Huram my Father, as if this ArchiteH -was King HIRAM'* Father; for his 
Defcriplion, ver. 74. rejulet it; and the Original plainly imports, Huram of my 
Father'/, vix. the Chief Matter- Mafon of my Father, King ABIBALUS ; (who 
enlarg'd and beautify' 'd the City of Tyre, as ancient Hijlories inform us, whereby 
the Tynans at this time were moll expert in Mafonry) tho' fome think HIRAM 
the King might call Hiram the ArchiteH Father, as learned and skilful Men were 
wont to be call'd of old 'fimes, or as Jofeph was call'd the Father of Pharaoh ; 
and a s the fame Hiram is call'd Solomon's FATHER, (2 Chron. iv. 16.) 
where 'tis faid 

Shelomoh lammelech Abhif Churam ghnafah, 
Did Huram, his Father, make to King Solomon. 
Ext the Difficulty is over at once, by allowing the IVord Abif to be the Surname 
o/Hiram the Mafon, called alfo (chap. ii. 15.) Hiram Abi, as here Hiram Abif; 
for being fo amply defcrib'd, (chap. ii. 14.) we may eafily fuppofe his Surname 
Would not be ccnceal'd : And this Reading makes the Senfe plain and compleat, viz. 
that HIRAM, King of lyre, fent to King Solomon, his Namefake HIRAM 
ABIF, the Prince of Architects, deftrib'd(\ Kings vii. 14 ) to he a Widow's 
Son of the Tribe of Kaphthali ; and in 1 Chron. ii. 14. the faid King of 'Tyre 
tells him the Son of a Woman of the Daughters of Dan .; and in both Places, 
that his Father was a Man of 7/re ; which Difficulty is removd, by fxppojino his 

Mother 



'J39 



And the prodigious Expence of it alfo enhaunceth 
its Excellency ; for befides King David's vaft Prepara- 
tions, his richer Son SOLOMON, and all the weal- 
thy Ifraelites, and the Nobles of all the neighbouring 
Kingdoms, largely contributed towards it in Gold, 
Silver, and rich Jewels, that amounted to a Sum almoft 
incredible. 

Nor do we read of any thing in Canaan ib large, the 
Wall that inclos'd it being 7700 Foot in Compafs - y 
far lefs any holy Structure fit to be nam'd with it, for 
exactly proportion'd and beautiful Dimenfions, from 
the magnificent Porch on the Eajl, to the glorious and 
reverend Sanctum Sanclorum on the fVeft, with moft 
lovely and convenient Apartments for the Kings and 
Princes, PrieJIs and Levites, Ifraelites, and Gentiles 
alfo; it being anHoufe of Prayer for all Nations, and 



Mather wastjthtr cf the Tribe of Dan, or of the Daughters of the City called Dan 
in the Tribe oj Naphfhali, and hit deceased Father had been a Naphth3liie, whence 
his Mother was called a Widow of Napbthali • for hit Father is mt called a Ty- 
jian by Defcent, but a Man of Tyre by Habitation ; as Obrd Edom the Levite 
is caUd a Gittite by living among the Gittites, and the Jpjlle Paul a Man cf 
Tarfus. But'fuppojing a Mi/lake in Tranfcribcrs, and that his Father was really 
a Tyrian by Blood, andhit Mother only of the Tribe either cf Dan 0re/Naphthali, 
thai can be no Bar aga'mfl allowing cf his vofi Capacity ; far at his Father was a 
Worker in Brafs, Jo he himfelf was fill'd with Wifdom and Undeifranding, 
and Cunning to work all Works in Brafs: Jnd as King SOLOMON Jenl 
for him, fo King HIRAM, in his Letter to Solomon, fays, 'And now I have 
fent a cunning Man, endued with Undemanding, siiiful to work in Gold, 
Silver, Brafs, Iron, Stone, Timber, Purple-, Blue, fine Linnen and Crim- 
fon, alfo to grave any manner of Graving, and to find out every Device 
which flnll be pur to hirn, with thy cunning Men, and with the cunning 
Men- of rry Lord David thy Father. This divinely infpired Workman main- 
tain'd this Chancier in'erefting the Temple, and in working the Utcnfils thereof, 
far beyond ihe Performances e/Aboliab w/Beuletl, being alfo wiUrfaHy capa- 
ble of all forts cf Mafonry. 

capable 



240 



<fo [ «7 ]'* 

capable of receiving in the Temple proper, and in alT 
its Courts and Apartments together, no lefs than 
300,000 People, by a modeft Calculation, allowing a 
fquare Cubit to each Perfon. 

And if we confider the 1453 Columns of Parian 
Marble, with twice as many Pillajlers, both having 
glorious Capitals of fevcral Orders, and about 2246" 
Windows, befides thofc in the Pavement, with the un- 
fpeakable and coftly Decorations of it within j {and 
much more might be Jaid) we muft conclude its 
Profpect, to tranfeend our Imagination • and that it 
wasjuftly efteem'd by far the fineft Piece of Mafonry 
upon Earth before or fince, and the chief Wonder of A. M. 
the World \ and was dedicated, or confecrated, in the ? ° * * 
moft fokmn manner, by King SOLOMON. Ante Gta. 

But leaving what muft not, and indeed cannot, be 
communicated by Writing, we may warrantably affirm 
that however ambitious the Heathenwerc in cultivating 
of the Royal Jrt, it was never perfected, until God 
condefcended to inftruct his peculiar People in rearing 
the above-mention'd (lately Tent, and in building 
at length this gorgeous Hpufe, fit for the fpecial Re- 
fulgence of his Glory., where he dwelt between the 
Cherubims on the Mercy-Seat, and from thence gave 
them frequent oraculous Refponies. 

This moft fumptuous, fplendid, beautiful and glo- 
rious Edifice, attracted loon the inquifitive Artifts of 
all Nations to fpend fome time at jerujalem, and fur- 
vey its peculiar Excellencies, as much as was allow'd 
ro the Gentiles ; whereby they foon difcover'd, that all 
the World, with their joint Skill, came far (hot* of the 

C Ifraelitesy 



241 



Jfraelites, in the Wifdom and Dexterity of drchitec- 
ture y when the wife King SOLOMON was GRAND 
MASTER-of the Lodge at Jerufakm y and the learned 
King HIRAM was GRAND MASTER of the 
Lodge at Tyre, and the tnfpired HIRAM ABIF was 
Mdfer of Work, and Mafonry was under the imme- 
diate Care and Direction of Heaven, when the Noble 
and the Wife thought it their Honour to be affifting to 
the ingenious Maflers 'and Craftfmen y and when the 
Temple of the TRUE GOD became the Wonder of 
all Travellers, by which, as by the moft perfect Pattern, 
they corrected the Jrchitefture of their own Country 
upon their Return. 

So that after the Erection of Solomon's Temple, Ma- 
fonry was improv'd in all the neighbouring Nations ; 
fof the many Artifts employ'd about it, under Hiram 
j4bif y after it was finiftYd, difpers'd themfelves into 
Syria,- MeJbpotatnia y JJfyria, Chaldea, Babylonia, Me- 
dia, <Perfa, Arabia, Jfrica, Lejfer Jfea, Greece, and 
other Pafts of Europe, where they taught this liberal 
Art to the free born Sons of eminent Perfbns, by whofe 
Dexterity the Kings, Princes, and Potentates, built 
many glorfous Piles, and became the GRAND MAS- 
TERS, each in his own Territory, and were emulous 
of excelling in this Royal Art y nay, even in INDIA, 
where rhe Correfpondence was open, we may conclude 
the fame : But none of the Nations, not altogether, 
could rival the IfraelHes y far lefs excel them, in Md- 
Jonry , and their Temple remam d the conftant Pattern.* 
Nay, 

? For the' the Temple e/Diana at Ephefus isfuffot'd *» havelcettjirjl Built 
lyfimteTJaphet's Felierit/ t that mad* aSeftltatnl in J onia abut lb* limtef 

Mofcs 



242 



&[ 'P J* 
Nay, the GRAND MONARCH NEBUCHAD- 
NEZAR could never, with allhisunfpeakable Advaa- 
tages, carry up his bdafonry to the Beautiful Strength 
and Magnificence of the Temple Wbrk, which he had, 
in warlike Rage,; burnt down, after it had remain'd in A - M. 
Splendor 416 Years from its Confecration. For after 3 f s g* 
his Wars were over, and general Peace proclaim'd, he Ante Clin 
let his Heart on Jrcbitetitire, and became the GRAND 
MASTER-MASON j and having before led captive 
the ingenious Artifts of Judea, and other conquer'd 
Countries, he rais'd indeed the largeft Work upon 
Earth, even the Walls * and City, the Palaces and 

Hanging 

Mofes ; yet it was often demolifi'd, and then rebuilt for the fake cf Improvements fa 
Mafonry ; and we cannot compute the Period of its lajt glorious Erection {that be- 
came another 0} the Seven Wonders of the lVorld)to be prior to that of Solomon'* 
temple ; but that long afterwards the Kings c/LefTer Ada join d, for 2 20 rears, 
in fnifiing it, with 107 Columns of 'the fineft Marble, and many of 'em with moft 
exquijtte Sculpture (each at the Experce of a King, by the Malrer-Mafons DRE- 
SIPHON and ARCHIPHRON) tofupport the planked deling and Roof of pure 
Cedar, as the Doors and Linings were o/Cypreis : Whereby it became the Miflrefs 
cf LeilerAfia, in Length 425 Foot, and in Breadth 220 Foot; Nay, fo admirable a "■• "** 
Fabriek, that XERXES left it Jlanding when he Burnt all the other temples in his 3 ^ •?* 
JVay to Greece ; tho'at lajl itwasfet on Fire and burnt' down by a vile Fellow, . 3 !'• 
tnlyfor the Luflof being talk'dof, on the very Day that ALEXANDER the Ante ^ hr « 
Great was born'- 

* In Ihicknefs 87 Fool, in Height 350 Foot, and in Compafs 4S0 Furlongs, of 
60 Britifh Miles inanexalt Square of 1 5 Mites a Side, built of large Bricks, cement* 
edwith the hard Bitumen of that old Vale-of Shinar, with 100 Gates of Brafs, or 
25 a-pde,and 250 Towers ten Foot higher than the Walls. 

From the faid 25 Gates in each Side went 25 Streets injlrait Lines \or in all 50 
Streets each 1 5 Miles long, WHh four half Streets, next the Walls, each 200 Foot 
broad : Andfo the wlxde City was thus cut out into 6" 7 6 Squares, each being 2 Miles 
and quarter in Compafs \ round which were theHoufes built three or four Stories high, 
well adotn'd, and accimmodated with Yards, Gardens, &c. A Branch 'of the 
Eu phrafM ruts thro the Middle of it, from North to South, over which, in the Heart 
efihe tit*, was built a lately Bridge, in Length a Furlong, and thirty Foot in 

C 2 Breadth, 



24S 



*[ 



ao 



Hanging-Gardens, the Bridge and Temple of BABY- 
LON, the Third of the Seven Wonders of the World, 
tho' vaftly inferior, in the fublime Perfection of Ma- 
fonry^ to the holy, charming, lovely Temple of GOD. 
But as the Jewr/b Captives Were of fpecial ufe to' 
NEBUCHADNEZAR in his glorious Buildings, fo 

being 

Breadth, by wonderful Art, for Supplying the Want of a Foundation in the River. 
At the iwo Ends of this Bridge were two magnificent Palaces, the Old Palace, 
the Seat cf ancient, Kings at the Eajl End, upon the Ground cf four Squares; and 
the New Palace at the Weft End, built by Nebuchadnezzar, upon the Ground of 
vine Squares, with Hanging-Gardens (fo muchcelebratedby the Greeks) where 
the loftiejl Trees could grow as in the Fields, ereffed'in a Square of 400 Foot on 
each Side, carried up by Terraces, andfuftain'd byvaft Arches built upon Arches, 
inttil the higheft Terrace equal d the Height cf the City-Walls, with a curious 
Aquedoft 1o water the whole Gardens. Old Babel improv'd, flood en the Eajl 
Side of the River, and the NewTown on the Weft Side, much larger than the Old, 
and built In order to make this Capital exceed old Niniveh, tho' it never had fo many 
Inhabitants by one Half, 'fhe River was begirt with Banks of Brick, as thick as 
the City Walls, in Length twenty Miles, viz. ft] teen Miles within the City, and 
two Miles and a half above and below it, to keep tlx Water within its Channel ; tad 
oath Street that crofs'd the River had a brafen Gate leading down to the Water en 
both Banks; and Weft of the City was a prodigious Lake, inCompaJs 1 60 Miles, 
With a Canal from the River into it, toprevent Inundations in the Summer. 

In the Old Town was the Old Tower of BABEL, at the Foundation a Square 
cf half a Mile in Ccmpafs, conjifting c] eight fquare Towers built over each other, 
ivitb Stairs ontheout-fide round it, going up to the Obfetvatory on the Top, 600 
Foot high, whichis 19 Foot higher than the htgheft Pyramid) whereby they became 
the ftrft Aftronomers. And m the Rooms of /fo Grand Tower, with arched Root], 
fupportedby Pillars 75 Foot high, the idolatrous Worfiip of their God BELl/S was 
perform' d, till new, that this mighty Ma/on and Monarch ercBed round this ancient 
Pile a Temple of two Furlongs on every Side, or a Mile in compafs ; where he 
hdgd the facred trophies of SOLOMON's Temple, and the golden Image 90 
Foot high, that he had confecrated in, the Plains o/Duca, as were formerly in tie 
Tower lodg'd many other golden Images, and many precious things, that were af- 
terwards all feiz'dby XERXES, and amounted to above zi Millions Sterling. 

Andwhen all was fnifi'd, King NEBUCHADNEZZAR walking in State 
inhis Hanging-Gardens, andfrom thence taking a Review of the whole City, proudly 
boafied of this bis mighty Work ; faying, Is not this Great Babylon, that I have 
built for the HouTc of the Kingdom, by the Might oi my Power, and for 

the 



244 



&[ at 

being thus kept at work, they retain'd their great Skill 
in Majbnry, and continu'd very capable of rebuilding 
the holy Temple and City of SALEM upon its old A ^ 
Foundations, which was order'd by the Edict or Decree j 4 6 i. 
of the GRAND CYRUS, according to God's Word, ^j^ 
that had foretold his Exaltation and this Decree : And 
CYRUS having conftituted ZERUBBABEL, the 
Son of Salathiel (of the Seed of David by Nathan, 
the Brother of Solomon, whofe Royal Family was now 
extinct) the Head, or Prince of the Captivity, and the 
Leader of the yews and Ifraelites returning to yeru- 
falem, they began to lay the Foundation of the 
SECOND TEMPLE, and would have foon finifh'd 
it, if CYRUS had liv'd ; but at length they put on A. m: 
the Cape-Stone^ in the 6th Year of DARIUS, the 3 4 \ 9 - 
Verjian Monarch, when it was dedicated with Joy, and AntcCbr. 
many great Sacrifices, by ZERUBBABEL the Prince 
and General Mafier-Mafon . of the yews, about ao 
Years after the Decree of the Grand Cyrus, And tho' 
this Temple of ZERUBBABEL came far fhort of So- 
lomon's Temple, was not £b richly adorn'd with Gold 
and Diamonds, and all manner of precious Stones, 
nor had the Shechina and the holy Relicks of -Mofes 
in it, &c. yet 1 being rai&'d. exactly "upon. Solomon's 

the Honour of my Majefty ? hut had hi I Pride immediately rebuk'dby aVohe from 
Heaven, and punifb'd by brutal Madnefs for /even Tears, until he gave Glory tothe 
Cod oj Heaven, the Omnipotent Architeft of the Univerfe, which he publijb'dby 
a Decree thro all hit Empire, and dy'd next 7 ear, before his GREAT B A 8 YLON 
was little more than half inhabited {tho' he had led many Nations captive jot that- 
purpofe) ; nor <was it ever fully peopled; for in 25 Tears after his Death, the 
GRkTSDCYRUSccnquerdit.atidremov'dthe Uhrcne to Shufoan in PER- 
SIA. 

Foundation, 



245 



Foundation, and according to his Model, it was fKli 
the moft regular, fym metrical, and glorious Edifice in 
the whole World, as the Enemies of the fevos have 
often teftify'd and acknowledge. 

At length the ROYAL ART was carryM into 
Greece, whofe Inhabitants have left us no Evidence of 
fiich Improvements in Mafonry, prior to Solomon's 
Temple^ * for their moll ancient Buildings, as the Cit-. 
tadel of Athens, with the Parthenon, or Temple of 
Minerva ', the Temples alfo of Thefeus, of Jupiter 
Olympius, &c. their Porticos alfo, and Forums, their 
Theatres and Gymnajtums, their publick Halls, curious 
Badges, regular Fortifications, ftout Ships of War, and 
ftately Palaces, were all erected after the Temple of 
Solomon, and moft of them even after the Temple of 
Zerubbabel. 

Nor do we find the GRECIANS arriv'd to anycon- 

fiderable Knowledge in Geometry, before the Great 

A. M. Thales- Milejlas, the Philofopher, -who dy'd in the Reign 

'9 4 5 7- of Bellpazzar, and the Time of the Jewifi Capti- 

AnteChr vJt y- But his Scholar, the Greater PYTAHGORAS, 

prov'd the Author of the 47th Proportion of Euclid's 

firft Book, which, if duly obferv'd, is the Foundation 

of all Mafonry, facred, civil, and Military. * 

The 



* Ihe Grecians having been long degenerated into Bdtbqrfty, forgetting their 
original Skill in Mafonry, (which their Fore- f&thc t$ brought Jrom Aflyria) by their 
frequtnt Mixture t with other barbarom Nationt, thehmutkal Invafsons, and <wafl- 
ing bloody Wars , until by travelling and eorre/ponding with the Adaticks and 
Egyptians, they nvisid' their Knowledge in Geometry aodM»fomy loth, though 
few of the Grecians. had the Honour to own h. 

* PYTHAGORAS travtlfd info Egypt the Ttar tbatThales iyd t anihvlng 

tl'tre 



246 



The People of LeJJer Jjja about this Time gave 
large Encouragement to Mafons for erecting all forts 
of fumptuous Buildings, one of which mud not be 
forgot, being ufually reckon'd the Fourth of the Seven 
Wonders of the World, viz. the' Mdujbleum, or 
Tomb of Maujblas King of Carta, between Lycia 
and Jania, at Haltcarnajfus, on the Side of Mount 
Taurus in that Kingdom, at the Command of AR- 
TEMISIA his mournful Widow, as the fplendid 
Teftimony of her Love to him, built of the moft 
curious Marbte,' in Circuit 411 Foot, in Height 25 
Cubits, furrounded with 26 Columns of the moft fa- 
mous Sculpture , and the whole opened on all Sides, 
with Arches 73 Foot wide, perform'd by the four prin- A M 
cipal Majler-Mafons and Engravers of thofe Times, 3652. 
viz, the Eaft Side by Scopas, the Weft by Leochares, 3 J *• 
the North by Briax, and the South by Timotheus. 

But after PYTHAGORAS, Geometry became the 
darling Study of Greece,- where many learned Philo- 
fophers arofe, fome of whom invented fundry Pro- 
pofitions, or Elements' of Geometry, and redue'd them 
to the ufe of the mechanical Arts. * Nor need we doubt 

that 

n Z Z ~~ A - M. 

there among the Priejls 22 Tears became expert in Geometry and in all the - a •, n 
Egyptian Learning, until hewas captivated by Cambyfes King of Perfia, and 525. 
fern to Babylon, <wbere he was much converfant with the Chaldean MAGJ, and Ante Cht. 
the learned Babylonifh JEWS, from whom he borrow'd great Knowledge, that ren- A. M. 
■rler'dhimvery famous />; Greece and Italy, where afterwards he fourifi'd attd dy'd , 3 498. 
when Mordecai was the prime Minifter of State to Ahafuerus King of 506. 
Perfia, and ten Tears after ZER UBBABELs Temple was fiuifi'd. Ante Chr. 

* Or borrow'd from other Nations their puttnded Inventions, at Anaxagoras, 
Oenopides, Brifo, Antipho, Democritus, Hippocrates, and . Theodotus 
Cyrenxus, the Ahjler of the divine PLATO, who amplify' d Geometiy, and 

{Mifi'i 



16 247 



g[ 24 ]£> 

that Mafonry kept pace with Geometry ; or rather, 
always follow'd it in proportion'*! gradual Improve- 
A. M. merits, until the wonderful EUCLID of Tyre flou- 
9700. r jfh'd at Alexandria ; who gathering up the fcat- 
AmcChn ter 'd Elements of Geometry, digefted them into a Me- 
thod that was never yet mended, (and for which his 
Name will be ever, celebrated) under the Patronage of 
PTOLOMEUS, the Son of Lagus King of Egypt, 
one of the immediate SuccefTojs of Alexander the 
Great. 

And as the noble Science came to be more metho- 
dically taught, the Royal Art was the more generally 
efteem'd and improv'd among the Grecians, who at 
length arriv'd to the fame Skill and Magnificence in it 
with their Teachers the Afiatics and Egyptians. 

The next King of Egypt, PTOLOMEUS PHIL A- 

DELPHUS, that great Improver of the liberal Arts, 

and of all ufeful Knowledge, who gather'd the greateft 

Library upon Earth, and had the Old Uejiament ( at 

leaft the ^Pentateuch) firft tranflated into Greek, be- 

. „ came an excellent Architect, and GENERAL M AS- 

* 7 " 4 8 TER-MASON, having among his other great Buil- 

2 7 6. dings, ereaed the famous TOWER of PHAROS, * the 

AnteChr. p ifth of thc&w* Wonders of the World. 



publijh'd the ArtAnalytic ; from -wloPe Academy came forth avafi Number, that 
pom differ id their Knowledge to dtflant Pdrts, as Leodamusj Thesetetus, Arch- 
ytas, Leon, Eudoxus, Menaichmus, and 'Xcnoctates,. tic - Mafier of Atidot\e t 
fromwbofe Academy alfo came forth EuriemuSiTheophraftus, Atiteus, Ifidorus, 
Hypficles, and many other 1. 

* On en Jflandnear Alexandria, fit one of ike Mouihsoj tie Nile, efvoondrrfu} 
Height and mojl cunning Workman/tip, and all ofthejtneft Marble; and it CbftSoQ 
1a}»m> t or about 480,000 Crowns. *the Majkr ofH^otk, under the King, was 

Siftr»tuy 



248 



We may readily believe, that the Afrkan Nations, 
even to the Jtlantick Shore, did loon imitate Egypt 
in fuch Improvements j though Hiftory fails, and there 
are no Travellers encourag'd to diicover the valuable 
Remains in Mafonry of thole once renowned Nations. 

Nor fhould we forget the learned IJland of SICILY, 
where the prodigious Geometrician ARCHIMEDES A. M. 
did flourilh, * and was unhappily flain when Syracttfe 3 \ 9 \ 
was taken by Marcel/us the Reman General : For Ante Ch'r. 
from Sicily, as well as from Greece, Egypt, and JJia, the 
ancient Romans, learnt both the SCIENCE and the 
ART, what they knew before being either mean or i/re- 
gular j but as they fubdu'd theNations,they made mighty 
Difcoveries in both; and like wife Men, led captive, 
not the Body of the People, but the Arts and Sciences, 
with the moft eminent Profelfors and Practitioners, 
to Rome ; which thus became the Center of Learning, 
as well as of imperial Power, until they advane'd to 
their Zenith of Glory, under AUGUSTUS CAESAR, A. M. 
(in whofe Reign was born God's MESSIAH, the * °4- 

Sifbatus, a mofl ingenious Mafon ; and it was afterwards much admit A by Julius 
Czlar, who <wat a good Judge of mojl things, though chiefly ccnt/erftint in IVars and 
Poliiickt. It <was intended as a lligbt-Houfe for the Harbour of Alexandria, 
from which the Light- Houtes in the Mediterranean were often call'd Pharos. 
1bougbfcme,inflead of this, mention as the Fifth Wonder, the great OBELISK 
cf Semitarnis, 150 Foot high, and 24 Foct fcjuare at Bottom, or 00 Foot in Circuit 
at the Ground, all one miire Stone t rifing pyramidlcally, brought from Armenia, to 
Babylon about the 'ftme of the Siege of Troy, if we may believe the Hi/lory of 
SEMJRAMIS. J ' 

* iVhile ERATOSTHENES mi CONON fturtfi din Greece who were 
Juccetdedby the exellent APOLLONJUS o/Perga, and many more before the 
Birth o/Chrift, who, though not working Mafotis, yet were good Surveyors ; 
or, at leaf), cultivated Geometry, which is thefolid Bafts of true Mafonry, end its 
Mule, 

D great 



219 



great Architect: of the Church) who having laid the 
World quiet, by proclaiming univerfal Peace, highly 
encourag'd thofe dexterous Artifts that had been bred 
in the Roman Liberty, and their learned Scholars and 
Pupils j but particularly the great VITRUVIUS, the 
Pather of all true Architects to this Day. 

Therefore it is rationally believ'd, that the glorious 
AUGUSTUS became the Grand-Majler of the 
Lodge at Rome, having, befides his patronizing 
Vitruvitts, much promoted the Welfare of the Fellow- 
Craftjfaen, as appears by the many magnificent Buil- 
dings of his Reign, the Remains of which are the Pat- 
tern and Standard of true Majbnry in all future Times, 
as they ate indeed an Epitome of the Jjiatic, Egyptian, 
Grecian and Sicilian Architecture, which we often ex- 
prefs by the Name of the AUGUSTAN STILE, 
and which we are now only endeavouring to imitate, 
and have not yet arriv'd to its Perfection. 

The oU Records of Mafons afford large Hints of 
their Lodges? from the Beginning of the World, in the 
polite Nations,-efpecially in Times of Peace, and when 
the Civil Powers, abhorring Tyranny and Slavery, gave 
due Scope to the bright and free Genius of their hap- 
py Subjects; for then always Mafons, above all othet 
Artifts, were the Favourites of the Eminent, and be- 
came neceflary for their grand Undertakings in any 
fort of Materials, not only in Stone, Brick, Timber, 
Plaifter; but even in Cloth or Skins, or whatever wa< 
us'd for Tents, and for the various forts of Jrchi* 
te&ure. 

Nor 



250 



a 7 ]<§» 

Nor fliould it be forgot, that Painters alfo, and 
Statuaries, * were always reckon'd good Mafbns, as 
much as Builders, Stone-cutters, Bricklayers, Carpen- 
ters, Joiners, Upholders or Tent-Makers, and a vaft 
many other Craftfmen that could be nam'd, who per- 
form according to Geometry, and the Rules of Building; 
though none fince HIRAM ABIF has been renown'd 
for Cunning in all parts of Mafonry : And of this 
enough. 

But among the Heathen, while the noble Science 
Geometry * was duly cultivated, both before and after 
the Reign of Jugujlus, even till the Fifth Century of 
the Ghriftian JEra, Mafonry was had in great Efteem 



* For it was not without good Reafon, the Ancients thought that the Rules of 
the beautiful Proportions fn Building were copied, or taken from the Proportions of 
the Body natural : Hence PHIDIAS is reckon d in the Number of ancient Mafons 
for ereBing the Statue of the Goddefs Nemefis at Rhamnus, 10 Cubits high ; 
and that of Minerva at Achens, 2<5 Cubilshigb ; and that cf JUPITER OLYM- 
PIUS, fitting in his Temple in Achau, between the Cities e/Elis and Pifa, made 
<f innumerablefmall Pieces of Porphyry, fo exceeding grand end proportion! d, that 
It was reckon'd one of the Seven Wonders, as the famous COLOSSUS at Rhodes 
was another, and the greatefl Statue that ever was ereHed, maae of Metal, and «fe- 
iicated to the SUN, 70 Cubits high, like a great Tower at adi/lance, at the Entry 
of an Harbour, finding wide enough for tbelargefl Ships underfail, built in 12 Tears 
by Ca res a famous Mafon and Statuary ofSicyon, and Scholar to the great Ly fippus 
of the fame Fraternity. This mighty COLOSSUS, after /landing 56 Tears, fell 
by an Earthquake, and lay in Ruins, the If 'ender cf the Worldy fill Anna DbriT. 
60c, when the Soldan of Egypt carry d off its Relicks^ ~«/bita fvakd- $)cd 
Camels. 

* By Menelaus, Claudius, Ptc'omeus, (who was filfijhs Poms gf ^ilta- 
nomers) Plutarch, Eutocius (who rentes the Inventions^ pf Phifrx Dio- 
des, Nicomedes, Sphorus, and Keren the learned Mechanic*). Ktefibtus alfo,' 
the Inixnter of Pumps (celebrated by Vitfuvius, Proclus, Piiny, WAthenas- 
us) and Geminus, alfo equall'd by fame to Euclid ; fo Diophantus, Nlcoma- 
chus, Serenas, Proclus, Pappus, Theon, &c. all Gurhttr.cizns, and the it' 
luf thus Cultivaters of the mechanical Arts. 

D 2 and 



251 



and Veneration : And while the Roman Empire con- 
tinu'd in its Glory, the Royal Art was carefully propa- 
gated, even to the ULTIMA THULE, and a Lodge 
ere&ed in almoft every Roman Garrifon j whereby they 
generoufly communicated their Cunning to the northern 
and weftern Parts of Europe, which had grown bar- 
barous before the Roman Conquefi, though we know 
not certainly how long ; becaufe fome think there are 
a few Remains of good Mafbnry before that Period 
in fome Parts of Europe, railed by the original Skill 
that the firft Colonies brought with them, as the Celtre 
Edifices, ere&ed by the ancient Gauls, and by the ancient 
Britains too, who were a Colony of the Celtes* long 
before the Romans invaded this Ifland. * 

But when the GOTHS and VANDALS, that had 
never been conquei'd by the Romans, like a general 
Deluge,over-ran the ROMAN EMPIRE,with warlike 
Rage and grofs Ignorance they utterly deftroy'd many 
of the fineft Edifices, and defae'd others, very few e- 
fcaping ; as the Jfiatic and Jfrtcan Nations fell un- 
der the fame Calamity by the Conquefts of the 
MAHOMETANS, whofe grand Defign is only to con- 



* <fhe Native i within the Roman Colonies might hefirfi infiruBed in buili~ 
ing of Citadels and Bridges, and ether Fortifications nueffary ; and afterwards 
when their Settlement produe'd Peace, and Liberty, and Plenty, the Aborigines 
did'foon imitate their learned and polite Conquerors in Mafonry, having then I.et- 
fure and a Difpofition to raife magnificent Structures. Nay, even the Ingenious of 
the Neighbouring Nations not conquer'd, learnt much from the Roman Garrifont 
in limes of Peace and open Correjpondince, when they became emulous of the Ro- 
man Glory, and thankful that their being Concjueid was the means of recover- 
ing them from ancient Ignorance and Prejudices, when they began to delight in.tba 
RoyalArc. 

vert 



252 



20 J< 

'vertthe World by Fire and Sword, inftead of cultiva- 
ting the Arts and Sciences. 

Thus, upon the Declenfion of the Roman Empire, Ann.Dom 
when the Britijb Garrifons were drain'd,theANGLES & ** 8 - 
other lower SAXONS,invited by the ancient BRITONS 
To come over and help them again!? the SCOTS and 
PICTS, at length fubdu'd the South Part of this 
IJland, which they call'd England, or Land of the 
Jingles, who being a-kin to the Goths, or rather a fort 
of Vandals, of the fame warlike Difpofition, and as* 
ignorant Heathens, encourag'd nothing but War, till 
they became Chriftians ; and then too late lamented 
the Ignorance of their Fathers in the great Lofs of 
Roman Mafonry, but knew not how to repair it. 

Yet becoming a. free People (as the old Saxon Laws 
teftify) and having a Difpohtioa for Mafonry, they 
foon began * to imitate the Afmtics, Grecians, and 
Romans, in erecting of Lodges and encouraging of 
Mafons ; being taught, not only from the faithful Tra- 
ditions and valuable Remains of the BRITONS, but 



* No Joult fever al Saxon and SzouQx Kings with many of the Nobility, great 
Gentry, and eminent Clergy, became the Grand Matters of thofe early Lodges, 
from a mighty Zeal then prevalent far building magnificent Chrifiian Temples ; 
•which would alfo prompt them to enquire after the Laws, Charges, Regulations, 
Cuftoms, /rwfUftges, of the ancient Lodges, many of which might be prefer® d 
by Tradition, and all of them very likely in- thofe Parts of the Britifh Iflands 
that were not fubdu'd by the Saxons, from whence in time they might be brought, 
end which the Saxons were more fond of, than careful to revive Geometry and 
Roman Mafonry ; at many in all Jges have been mere curious and careful 
about the Laws, Forms, and Ufages of their refpedive Societies, than about the- 
ARTS and SCIENCES tbereot 

But neither what was conve,'d, nor the Marnier how, can be communicated by 
luting ; as n Jdan indeed can underfiand it without the Key of a Fellow Craft. 

even 



253 



even by foreign (Prince?) in whole Dominions the 
Royal Art had been preferv'd much from Gothic Ruins, 

An #I)0|B particularly by CHARLES MARTELL King of 
741. France, who according to the old Records of Mafons, 

He dy'd. fe n t over feyeral expert Craft/men and learned Archi- 
tects into England) at the Defire of the &Mr<w Kings: 
So that during the Heptarchy) the Gothic Architect* uri 
was much encourag'd here, as in other Chriftian 
Lands. 

An.Dom. And though the many Invafions of the DANES 
8 3»- occafion'd the Lofs of many Records, yet in Times of 
Truceor Peace they did not hinder much the good Work; 
though not perform'd according to the Augu flan Stile 5 
nay, the vaft Expence laid out upon it, with the cu- 
rious Inventions of the Artifts to fupply the Roman 
Skill, doing the befb they could, demonftrate their 
Efteem and Love for the Royal Art) and have ren- 
der'd the GOTHIC BUILDINGS venerable, tho' 
not imitable by thofe that relifh the ancient Archi- 
tecture, 

An. Dom. And after the Saxons and Danes were conquer'd by 
lo6(J - the NORMANS, as foon as the Wars ended and 
Peace was proclaim'd, the Gothic Mafonry was en- 
courag'd, even in the Reign of the Conqueror) * and 
of his Son King WILLIAM Rufus y who built We(l- 

* William the Conqueror built the Tower of LONDON, and many 
Prong Cafllet in the Country, <with fevtral rehgioui Edifces, whofe Examp'e was 
follow 'd by the Nobility and Clergy, fartituforly by Roger de Montgomery Earl', 
/Arundel, the Archbifiop of York, the Brjiof of Duih3m, and GUNDULPH 
£ijbc$ of Rochefter, a mighty Anhiutt. 

minjler- 



25-4 



niffler-Hall, the largett- one Room perhaps in the 
Earth. 

Nor did the ifaraw Wars, nor the many bloody- 
Wars of the fubfequent Norman Kings, and their con- 
tending Branches, much hinder the moft fumptuous 
and lofty Buildings of thofe Times, rais'd by the great 
Clergy, (who enjoying large Revenues, could well 
bear the Expence) and even by the CROWN too; 
for we read King EDWARD III. had an Officer call'd 
the King's Free-Majpn, or General-Surveyor of his Buil- 
dings, whofe Name was HENRY YEVELE, employ'd 
by that King to build feveral Abbies, and St. STE- About 
PHEN's CHAPPEL at Weftminfler, where the Houfe Ao -°; ra ' 
of Commons now fit in Parliament. 

But for the further Inftruclion of Candidates and 
younger Brethren, a certain Record of Free-Malbns, About 
written in the Reign of King EDWARD IV. of the An. Dora, 
Norman Line, gives the following Account, viz. I47J " 

That though the ancient Records of the Brotherhood 
in England were many of them dejiroy'd or loft in the 
Wars of the Saxons WDanes, yet King ATHELSTAN, 
{the Grand/on of King ALFRED the Great, a mighty 
JrchiteB) the fir ft anointed King of England, and ^^^ 
who translated the Holy Bible into the Saxon Tongue, $3©, 
when he had brought the Land into Reft and Teace, 
built many great Works, and encouraged many Mafbns 
from France, who were appointed Overfeers thereof, and 
brought with them the Charges and Regulations of the 
Lodges preferv'd fince the Roman Times, who alfo 
prevailed with the King to improve the CONSTITU- 
TION 



255 



TION of the Englifh Lodges according to the foreign 
Model, and to increafe the Wages of working Mafons. 

That the /aid King's youngejl Son, Prince EDWIN, 
being taught Mafonry; and taking upon him the Charges 
of a MASTER-MASON, for the Love he had to the 
faid Craft, and the honourable Principles "whereon it is 
grounded, purchafed a free Charter of King Athelftan 
bis Father, for the Mafons having a Correction among 
them/elves, (as it was- anciently exprefs'dj or a Freedom 
and 'Power to regulate them/elves, to amend what might 
happen amifs, and to hold a yearly Communication and Ge- 
neral Jffembly. 

That accordingly Prince EDWIN fummoned all the 
Mafons in the Realm to meet him in a Congregation- 
at York, "who came and compofed a General Lodge, of 
•which he. was GRAND MASTER ; and having 
brought with them all the Writings and Records extant, 
fome in Greek, fome in Latin, feme in French, and 
other Languages, from the Contents thereof that AfTem- 
bly did frame the CONSTITUTION and Charges 
of an Englifh Lodge, made a Law to preferve and ob- 
serve the fame in all time coining, and ordain d good 'Pay 
for working Mafons, Stc. 

That in procefs of time, when Lodges were more fre~ 
cjuent, the -Right Worfhipful the Matter and Fellows, 
with the Confent of the LORDS of the Realm, {for mofl 
great Men were then Mafons) ordatn'd, that for the 
future, at the Making or jdmiffton of a Brother, 
/^CONSTITUTION (hould be read, and the 
Charges hereunto* annexed, by the Mafter or Warden ^ 
and that fuch as were to be admitted Mafter-Mafons. 

or 



256 



& L 33 ]* 

or Mafters of Work, fboald be examined whether they 
he able of Cunning to ferve their refpettive Lords, as 
well the Lowefi as the Highefl y to the Honour and 
Wbrfhip of the aforefaid Art, and to the Profit of their 
Lords ? jor they be their Lords that employ am pay them 
for their Service and Travel. 

And beftdes many other things, the faid Record adds, 
That thofe Charges and Laws of FREE-MASONS 
have been feen and ferufed by our late Sovereign King 
Henry VI. and by the Lords of his honourable Coun- 
cil, who have allotv'd them, and faid that they be right 
good and. reafonable to be holden, as they have been drawn 
out and coiled ed from the Records of ancient Times. * 

Now though in the third Year of the faid King 
Henry VI. while an Infant of about four Years old, 



* In another Manufcript more ancient, we read : That when the Maftet 
" and Wardens, meet in a Lodge, if need It, the She riff of the County, or ibt 
" Mayor of the City, or Alderman of the Town, in which the Congregatioa 

** is held, Jbould be made Fellow and Sectxcc re (be Maflcr, in btiftt htm 10 
" gain/} Rebels, and for upbearing the Rights of the Realm, 

" That enter'd Prentices at their making wire cbargdnot to le Tbievet t or 
" Thieves Maintainers ; that they Jbould trawl honefily for their fay, and love 
" their Fellows as themfelves, and be true to the King of England, and to the 
" Realm, and to the Lodge. 

" That at fuch Congregations it flail be enyuir'd, whether any Atafter or 
" Fellow hat broke any oj the Articles agreed to. And if the Offender, , being duly 
*' cited to appear, prove Rebel, and will not attend, then the Lodge flail determine) 
" againjl him that he flail forfwear {or renounce) his Mafonry, and flail m 
•• more ufe this Craft; the which if he prefume for to do, the Shed&'ef the Couti- 
" ty fiall prifin him, and take all his Goods inte the King's Hands-, till his Grace 
" be granted him and iffued: For this Cattfe principally bane theft Congregations 
*' been ordain d, that as well the loweft 'as the, highefl flould be well and truly 
•' feriied in this Art forefaid throughout all the Kingdom of England. 
M Amen, fo mote it be. 

E the 



257 



*[ 34 ]£ 

the Parliament made an Aft, that aflFe&ed only the 
-working Mafons^ who had, contrary to the Statutes for 
Labourers, confederated not to work but at their own 
Price and Wages \ and becauie fuch Agreements were 
fuppos'd to be made at the General Lodges, call'd in 
the Ad CHAPTERS and CONGREGATIONS of 
MASONS, it was then thought expedient to level the 
faid Aft againft the faid Congregations *: Yet when the 
faid King Henry VI. arriv'd to Man's Eftate ; the Ma- 
lons laid before him and his Lords the above-men- 
tion'd Records and Charges, who, 'tis plain, review'd 
them, and fblemnly approv'd of them as good and 
reafonableto be holden: Nay, the faid King and his 
Lords muft have been incorporated with the Free- 
Majbns, before they could make fiich Review of the Re- 
cords ; and in this Reign, before King Henry's Troubles. 
Malbns were much encourag'd. Nor is there any In- 
ftance of executing that Aft in that, or in any other 
Reign fince, and the Mafons never neglefted their Lodges 



* Tertio Hcnrici Sexti, Chap. I. An Dom. 1425. 

*fnle. Mafons pall not confederate fhemfelves at Chapters and Congregations. 

" WHEREAS by yearly Congregations and Confederacies, made by the 
" Mafons in their General Aflemblies, the good Courfe & Effeft of the Statutes 
** fur Labourers be openly violated and broken, in Subverjion of the Law, and to the 
41 great Damage of all the Commons, 'our faid Sovereign Lord the King, will- 
41 ing in this Cafe to provide a Remedy, by the yidvke and Jffent aforejaid, and 
** at thefpeelal Requeft of the Commons, hath ordained and ejlablijbed, that fuch 
*' Chapters and Congregations.^// not be hereafter holden ; and if any fuch be 
•* made, they that caufe fmb Chapters & 'Congregations to be ajfembled&' holden, 
* 4 if they thereof be conviB, fball be judged for Felons, and that the other Ma- 
" fens that come to fuch Chapters and Congregations bepunijb'd by Imprifomnenl of 
" tbtlr Bodies, and make Fine and Ranfom at the King's Will. 

Co. lnft. 3. p. 99. 



258 



<K 3S ]& 
for it, nor ever thought it worth while to employ their 
noble and eminent Brethren to haye it repeal *d ; becaufe 
the working Mafons, that are free of the Lodge, fcora 
to be guilty of fuch Combinations ; and the other free 
Mafons have no Concern in Trefpaffes againit the Sta- 
tutes for Labourers. * 

The Kings of SCOTLAND very much encourag'd 
the Royal Art y from the earlielb Times down to the^ 
Union of the Crowns, as appears by the Remains of 
glorious Buildings in that ancient Kingdom, and by* 
the Lodges there kept up without Interruption many 
hundred Years, the Records and Traditions of which 
teftify the great Refpeft of thofe Kings to this honour- 
able Fraternity, who gave always pregnant Evidence of 
their Love and Loyalty, from whence fprung the old 
Toaft among the Scots Mafons, viz. GOD BLESS 
THE KING AND THE CRAFT. 

Nor was the Royal Example neglected by the Nb» 
hility, Gentry, and Clergy of SCOTLAND, who join'd 
in every thing for the good of the Craft and Brother- 

* 'that j48 was made in ignorant Times, when true Learning was a Crime, 
and Geometry condem'd for Conjugation ; but it cannot derogate in the^leaji 
Degree from the Honour of the ancient Fraternity, who to be/ure would never- en- 
tourage any fuch Confederacy of their working Brethren. But by Tradition it- 
is believ'd, that the Parliament-Men were then too much infuene'd by the illite- 
rate Clergy, who were not accepted Mafons, nor underpood JrchiteHure {as the 
Clergy of fome former Ages') and generally thought unworthy of this Brother- 
hood; yet thinking they had an indefeaflh!e~ Right to know all Secrets, by virtue- 
cf auricular Confcflion, and the Mafons never confejflng any thing thereof, the 
/aid Clergy were highly offended, and at firft fufpecling them of IVickedntfs, re- 
fr.efented them as dangerous to the State during that Minority, andfoon influenci 
the Parliament-Menro layholdc} fuch fuppofed Agreements of the working Mafons, 
for making an JH that miqhtfeem to rejlelt Dijbonour upon even the whole wor-- 
fliipful Fraternity, in whofe Favour fevtral 4Si bad been both before mi after', 
thai. Period made. 

E 2 Hood 



259 



*[ 3* ]* 
hocfd, the Kings Mbeing often the Grand Maften, 
until, among otherthings, the Majbns of SCOTLAND 
were impower'd to have a certain and fix'd Grand' 
Ma/ler and Grand Warden, who had a Salary from 
the Crown, and alio an Acknowledgment from every 
New Brother in the Kingdom at Entrance, whole Bufi- 
nefs was not only to regulate what might happen amifs 
in the Brotherhood, but alfo to hear and finally deter- 
mine all Controverfies between i Mafon and Lord, to 
punifll the Majcm, if he deferv'd it, and to oblige both 
to equitable Terms : At which Hearings, if the Grand 
hiafler was abfent (who was always nobly born) the 
Grand Warden prefided. This Privilege remain'd till 

1*40. the Civil Wars, but is now obfolete; nor can it well 
be reviv'd until the King becomes a Ma/bn, becaufe it 

1707. was not actually exerted at the Union of the King- 
doms. 

Yet the great Care that the SCOTS took of true 
Mafonry,prov'd afterwards very ufefulto ENGLAND; 
for the learned and magnanimous Queen ELIZA- 
BETH, who encourag'd other Arts, difcourag'd this J 
becaufe, being & Woman, fhe could not be made a Majbn-, 
tho' as other great Women, fhe might have muchem- 
ploy'd Mafons, like Semiramis and Arteniijia. * 

But 



* ELIZABETH being jealous of any ^families of her SuhjeBs, <whofe 
Buftrefi (be <was not duly appnz'd of, attempted to break up the annual Com- 
munication 0/ Mafonsi as dangerous to her Government : But, as old Mafons 
have ttanfmited it by tradition, when the noble Ptrfont her Majefty lad commff- 
"fioned/and Irought a fujfi ient jPeffe ivith them as York en St. Johns Day, 
were or.ee admitted rruo the Lodge, they nude ro ufe of Arms, and return i 

the 



260 



<fe[ 37 ]£ 

But upon her Demife, King JAMES VI. of SCOT- 
LAND fgcceeding to the Crown of ENGL AND, being 
a Mafon King, reviv'd the Englijl) Lodges ; and v as he 
was the Fir} King of GREAT BRITAIN, he was 
alfo the FirJ Prince in the World that recover'd the 
Roman Architecture from the Ruins of Gothic Igno- 
rance : For after many dark or illiterate Ages, as foon 
as all Parts of Learning reviv'd, and Geometry recover'd 
ks Ground, the polite Nations began to difeover the 
Confufion and Impropriety of the Gothick Buildings; 
and in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries the 
AUGUSTAN STILE was rais'd from its Rubbiih 
in Italy, by BRAMANTE, BARBARO, SANSO- 
VINO, SANGALLO, MICHAEL ANGELO, 
RAPHAEL URBIN, JULIO ROMANO, SER- 
GLIO, LABACO, SCAMOZI, VIGNOLA, and 
many other bright Architects : but above all, by the 
Great PALL ADIO, who has not yet been duly imi- 
tated in Italy, though juftly rival'd in England by our 
great Mafler-Mafin, INIGO JONES. 

But though all true Mafons honour the Memories 
of thofe Italian Architects, it muft be own'd, that the 
Auguflan Stile was not reviv'd by any crown'd Head, 
before King JAMES the Sixth of SCOTLAND, and 
Firft of ENGLAND, patronb'd thefaid glorious hiigo 
jfonesy whom he employ'd to build his Royal Palace of 
WHITE-HALL; and in his Reign over all Great- 



the £>uetn a moft korcurahle Arcounl of the ancient Fraternity, vihereby her [eti- 
tical Fears end Doubts were Alfpell'd, ao3jbe, let them alone, as a People nweb 
tefpeliid by the Noble mi the IVife 0} allthtfoHfe Nations, lut negltfled the Ait 
ill her Reign. 

Britain, 



261 



Br//*/*, the BANQUETING HOUSE, as the firft 
piece of it, was only rais'd,* "which is the fineft one 
Room upon. Earth ; and the Ingenious Mr. Nicholas 
Stone performed as Majler-Mejbn under the Architect 
JONES. 

Upon his Demife, his Son King CHARLES L 
being alfo a Majon, patroniz'd Mr. "Jones too, and 
firmly intended to have carried on his Royal Father's 
Defign of WHITE-HALL, according to Mr. Jones's 
Stile; but was unhappily diverted by the Civil Wars.* 
After the Wars were over, and the Royal Family re- 
l or*d, true Mafonry was likewife reftor'd; efpecially 
upon the unhappy Occafion of the Burning of LON- 
DON, An. 1 666 r for then the City-Houfes were rebuilt 
more after the Roman Stile, when King CHARLES II. 
founded the prefent St. PAUL'S Cathedral in London, 
(the old Gotbick Fabrick being burnt down) much after 



* 'The Plan and ProfpeB cf that glorious Defign being fiill preferv'd, it is 
*ftam'd by sblljul Architect" s to excel that ef any other ralate in the known 
iarth, for the Symmetry, Firmnefi, Beauty and Conveniency cf sfnbiteBure ; 
as isdted ell Matter JONES'/ Dtfigns and Ereffions are Originals, and at 
ff(l Vieiv difcover him to be the Arthited : Nay, his mighty Genius prevail' d with 
the Nobilily and Gentry of all Britain, {for he was as much honour d in Scot- 
land at in England) to affetl and revive the ancient Stile cf MASONRY, 
too long negleded ; at appear/ by the many curious Fabricks of thofe limes, one ej 
whitbjball be now mention'd t the kaS, and perhaps one of the fsnefl, the GATE, 
efthe Phyfic Garden at OXFORD, misd by HENRY DAN VERS EARL 
OF DANBY, which coji h>! Lordihjp many hundred Pounds, and is as curi- 
tui a little piece oi Mafonry as ever was built there before crjince, with the fcl- 
Uwing Infcription on the Frost cf it t . viz, 

GLORIJE DEI OPTIMI MAXIMI, HONORI CAROLI REGIS, 
IN U5UM ACADEMLfi ET KEIPUBLICyE, ANNO i<fj2. 

HENRICUS COMES DANBT. 

the 



262 



*& 39 ]# 
the Style of St. PETER's at R(?/»e, conduced T>y the 
ingenious Architect, Sir CHRISTOPHER WREN. 
That "King founded alfo his royal Palace at GREEN* 
WICH, according to Mr. Inigo Jones's Defign (which 
he drew before he dy'd) conducted by his Son-in-Law 
Mr. WEB : It is now turn'd into an Hofpital for Sea- 
men. He founded alfo. Chelfea-Colkge, an Hofpital 
for Soldiers ; and at EDINBURGH he both founded 
and finifli'd his royal Palace of HALY-ROOD- 
HOUSE, by the Defign and Conduct of Sir WIL- 
LIAM BRUCE Bart, the Mafter of the Royal Works 
in SCOTLAND*: So that befides the Tradition of old 
Mafons now alive, which may be rely'd on, we have 
much reafon to believe that King CHARLES IL 
was an Accepted Free-Ma/on, as every one allows he 
was a great Encourager of the Craftfmett. 

But in the Reign of his Brother King JAMES IL 
though fome Roman Buildings were carried on, the 
Lodges of Free-Majbns in London much dwindled into 
Ignorance, by not being duly frequented and cultiva- 
ted, f But after the Revolution, Juno 1688, KING 

WIL- 



* // was an ancient Royal-Palace, and rebuilt after the Auguftan Style, ft 
neat, that, by competent Judges, it has been ejteem'd the fineft Houfe belonging to 
the Crown : Jnd though it ii not very Urge, it is both magnificent and convenient, 
both Infide and Out fie, with good Garden/, and a very large Bark; and all ether 
adjacent Accomodations. 

t But ly the royal Example of his Brother King Charles II. the City ()f LON- 
DON- ereBed the famous Monument, inhere the Great Fire began, all of/olid 
Stone, aoz foot high from the Ground, a Pillar of the Dorkk Order, 1 < Foot 
diameter, with a curious Stair Cafe in the Middle of black Marble, and or iron 
Balcony en the Top {cot unlike thofe of Trajan and Antoninus at ROME) from 
V/b^K* the City and Suburbs may be nietv'd; and it is fit highefi Column we 

kiwiD 



17 263 



WILLIAM, though a warlike Prince, having a good 
Tafte of Achite&ure, carried on the aforefaid two fa- 

moas 

hew upon Earth. Its Pedeftal is n Foot fauare, and 40 Foot high, the Front 
0] which if adorn 'd with mo ft inoenious Emblem 1 rn BaflTo Relievo, wrougbfby 
that famous Sculptof, Mr. Gabucl Cibber, with large Latin. Infcriptior.s-w 
the Sides cf it ; founded Anno 161 I, andfinifb'd Anno 1677. 

In his Time alfo the Society ef MERCHANT ADVENTURERS re- 
built the ROYAL EXCHANGE of London (the old one being deffror'd by 
the Fire) all of Stone, after the Roman Style, the. fnell Stru&ure of that {J ft in 
Europe, with the King's Statue to the Life, of white Marble, in the Miidleoftbe 
Square {wrought by the famous Mafter-Carvcr anl, Statuary, Mr GRINLIN 
GIBBONS, Vtbo was jujfly admir'd all over Europe, for his rivalling, if not 
fttrpafpng, the mojl fam'd Italian Maflers) on the Pedejtal 0} which it the ftl- 
lowine Infcribtion, viz. 

CAR.OLO IT CMSARI BRITANNICO 

PATRIAE PAIR! 

REGUMOP'flMO CLEMEMISSIMO AUGUS'flSSIMO 

GENERIS HUM AN f DEL/CIIS 

U<fRlUS2UE FORtfUNM VICTOR/ 

PACIS EUROP/E ARBlTRO. 

MARIUM DOMINO AC VINDICt 

SOCIETAS- MERCATORUM ADVEN<TUR ANGLIJE 

SUM PER CCCQJAMPROEE ANNOS 

REG I A BENIGNIT'AT'E FLORE? 

FWEl INffEMERAlM El GRAT/TUDINIS MSIERNM 

■HOC TESTIMONIUM 

VENERABUNDA POSUIT 

ANNO SALUT1S HUMANM MDCLXXXJV 

IO CHARLES II. EMPEROR OF BRlfAIH 

FATHER OF HIS COUsTRT 

BEST' MOST' MERCIFUL AND AUGUST OF KINGS 

DE LIGHT OF MANKIND 

JNADVERSITTaND PROSPERnr UNMOVED 

UMPIRE OF EUROPE'S PEACE 
COMMANDER AND SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS 
<IHE SOCIEVr OF MERCHANT" ADVENTURERS OF ENGLAND. 
IVHICH FOR NEAR CCCC TEARS 
BTROTAL FAVOUR FLOURISHET"H 
OF UNSHAKEN LOTALTY AND ETERNAL GRATITUDE 
THIS TEST'lMONf 
HAS IN VENERATION ERECTED 
IN THE TEAR OF SALVATION MDCLXXXIV. Xor 



264 



&[ 41 ]& 
inous Hofpitals of Greenwich and Chelfei, buift the fine 
part of his royal Palace of HAMPTON COURT, and 
founded "and finifh'd his incomparable Palace at LOO in 
HOLLAND, &c. And the bright Example of that glo- 
rious 'Prince, (who by moft is reckon'd a Free-Majbn) did 
influence the Nobility, the Gentry, the Wealthy and the 
Learned of GREAT-BRITAIN, to affed much the 
Augujlan Style ; as appears by a vaft Number of molt 
curious Edifices erected fince throughout the Kingdom : 
For when in the Ninth Year of the Reign of our late 
Sovereign QUEEN ANNE, her Maje/ly and the <J>arli- 
ament concurr'd in an Aet for erecting 50 new Varijh- 
Chitrches in London, Wejltninfler^ and Suburbs \ and the 
QUEEN had granted a Commiffion to feveral of the 
Minifies of State, the principal. JV<?£////^ great Gentry^} 
and eminent Citizens, the two JrchbiJhops y with feve- 
ral other Eijhops- aiid ■ dignrfy'd Clergymen, to put the 
Ad in execution ; they order'd the laid New Churches 

Norjbeuld we for£ey the famous THEATER of OXFORD, built, by Arch* 
bifhop SHELDON ? at his fo!e Cofi, in that King's <fjme, which, nftwghii 
other fine ff'erkt, was defign'd end cendufted alfo by Sir Chriftopher Wren the 
King's Architect jorit iljufily admir'd by the curious ; and the MUjA-UM adjoin- 
ing to it, a fine Building rais'd at the Charge of that illuftrious UNIVERSI- 
T Y", where there have hex fince ereSed feveral more Roman Buildings, as 
Trinity-College Chappel,! Allhallows Chbrch in Hlgh-ftreet, Pcckwarer» 
Square in Chiift Church College the veto Plinrlng Home, and the tvbofg 
of QueenVCollcge rebuilt, &C. . by the liberal Donations of' funk eminent Be' 
mfadors, and by the pvblick Spirit, Vigjlancy, and ftfetify oj the Headi of Col- 
leges, who generally to had a true la/le tf Roman Architeflure. 

<fke learned UNIVERSITY of CAMBRIDGE 'wf having had the Ma- 
tuge merit of fuck Tiheral DoMtigHs? have mtfio: nutty -fie* Stwttures; but they 
have two of the mofl curious and tmlfoit in Great-Britain tf their kind, the cut 
a Gothick Building, KING'S COLLEGE CHAPPEL (wife// you txcepti 
King Henry VIl's Chappel in Weftminfter-Abbey) : and the other a Roman 
Building, TRINITY COLLEGE LIBRARY. 

F to, 



265 



&l 4* ]# 
to be raiVd' according to the ancient Roman Style;* 
as appears, by thole that are already rais'd ; and the 
prefent » honourable. Convnifiomrs having the fame 
good Judgment of Architecture, are carrying on the 
fame laudable grand Dejtgn y and are reviving the 
ancient Style, by the Order, Countenance, and Encou- 
ragement of his prefent Majefly KING GEORGE, 
who was alfo gracioufly pleas'd to lay the firji Stone 
in the Foundation of his Parifli Church of St. MAR- 
TIN'S in Camps, on the South-Eaft Corner (by his 
Majeity's 'Proxy for the time, the prefent Bijbop of 
Salisbury) which is now rebuilding, ftrong, large, 
and* beautiful, at the Coft of the Tarijbioners.* 

Infhort, it would Tequire many large Volumes to 
contain the many fplendid Inftances of the mighty 

Influence 

* I'be Bifhop ef Salisbury went in an orderly Procefjum, duty attended, and 
"having leiell'd the ht& Stone, gate it two or three Knocks with a Mallet, ufon 
which the Irttmpets Jtunded, and a tiaji Multitude made loud declamations of 

the Stone a Purfe 0} too Guinea*, as a 
Craftfmen. < tbe following Infcrip- 
I a Sheet ef Lead put ufon it, viz. 

D S. 

SER ENISSIMC/S R EX GEORGIVS 

PER DEPU1A1UMSVUM 

REFERENDUM ADMODUM IS CHRlSfO PAfREAt 

RKHARDUM EP1SCOPUM SARlSBl/RtENSEJId 

SUMMUM SUUM ELEEMOSTNARIUM. 

ADSIStfENTE (REGIS JUSSU) 

DOMINO <tHO. HEtVE<fE&U. AUR 

MDIFICIORUM REG tORUM CURATORS 

PRINCIPAL I 

PRIMUM HUWS ECCLESIjE LAP IDEM 

FOSUM 

MART 1 1 j©..j*lWO DOM. 17m 

ANN02C/E REG HI SUI OCfArV. 

SACRED 



266 




&C 43 1$ 
Influence of Mafonry from the Creation, in every Age, 
and in every Nation, as could be collected from Hif- 
torians and Travellers : But efpecially in thofe Parts of 
the World where the Europeans correfpond and trade, 
fuch Remains of ancient, large, curious, and magnifi- 
cent Cohnading, have been difcover'd by the rhquifi- 
tive, that they can't enough lament the general Devaf- 
tations of the Goths and Mahometans ; and muft con- 
clude, that no Jrt was ever fo much encourag'd as 
this ; as indeed none other is fo extenfively ufeful to 
Mankind.* 

F a- Nay, 



SACRED TO GOD. 

HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTT KING GEORGE 

Br HIS PROXr 

<THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN CHRIST 

RICHARD LORD BISHOP OF SALISBURT 

HIS MAJESTY S CHIEF ALMONER 

ASSISTED (AT HIS MA JESTTS COMMAND) 

BT SIR THOMAS HEIVE'f KNIGHT 

OF HIS MAJESTY'S ROTAL BUILDINGS 

PRINCIPAL SURfETOR 

THE FIRST STONE OF THIS CHURCH 

LAID 

fHIS 19th OF MARCH ANNO DOMINI nil 

AND <tHE EIGHTH TEAR. OF HIS REIGN- 

* It were tniltft to recount and defcribt the many curious Roman Bulldingt 
in Great-Britain alone, ertBed face the Revival of Roman Mafonry ; of wbu\ 
a few may be here mention' 'd, hejidet thofe already fatten ef, viz. 

The QUEEN'.* Houfe at Greenwich, Belonging to the Crown. 

'The great Gallery in Somer fee -Gardens, T~ke Crown. 

Gunnersbury-Houfe near Brentford, Middlefer, $ ft W(A \ f 8 * Dat * 

' C Queensbury. 

Lindfay-Houfe m LineolnVInn-Fields, Duke ofAnadtt. 

York-Stairs at the Thames in York-Buildings. 
St Paul's-Church in Covent Garden, with its 
Jforiout Perticf, 7bi 



267 



Nay, if it were expedient, it could be made appear, 
that from this anoient Fraternity, the Societies or Or- 
ders of the Warhke KNIGHTS, and of the Religioas 
too, in procefs of time, "did borrow many fblcmn 
Ufages ; for none of them were better inftituted, more 
decently inflall'd, or did more facredly obferve their 
Laws and Charges than the Accepted Mafons have done, 
who in all Ages, and in every Nation, have main- 
tain'd and propagated their Concernments in a way 
peculiar to themfelves, which the moft Cuming and 
the moft Learned cannot penetrate into, though it has 
been often attempted; while They know and love one 
another, even without the Help of Speech, or when 
of different Languages. 

And now the Freehorn BRITISH NATIONS, 
difintangled from foreign and civil Wars, and enjoying 
the good Fruits of Peace and Liberty, having of late 
much indulg'd their happy Genius for Mafbnry of 
every fort; and reviv'd the drooping Lodges of London^ 

this 



Che Building and Piazia of Covem-Garden, Duke of Bedford. 

Wilton Caftfc in Wiltfhire, Earl of Pembroke. 

Caftle-Afhby in Northampronlhire, Earl ej Strafford. 

Sioke-Park m ditto, Arundel Eff, 

"Wing Houfc in Bedford (hi re, Hon. William Stanhope,^; 

Chevenine-Houfe in Kent, Earl Sranhope. 

Ambrofe-Bury in Wiltfhire, Lord Carleton. 

jllJdefign'd by the incomparable INIGO JONES, and mop ef them eerubilied 
ly him, or hi hit Son (n-Uava Mr. Web. (wording to Mr. Jones'/ Defigns. 

B'fides many more tenduffedby other AuhucQi, infutnidby the fame bafpy 
Cenim ; futh ai, - 

fiow -Church Steeple in Chepph'de, Buih by Sit Chrt. Wreo. 

Hotharo-Houfe m Beverly, Vorkihire. Sir CharlesHorham Hart- 

Melvin-Houfe in Fief, ' Earlef Levin. 

Long* 



268 



*[ 45 ]# 
this fair Metropolis flourifheth, as well as other Parts, 
with feveral worthy particular Lodges, that have a 
quarterly Copimmication,. and an annual grand AJJhnbly, 
wherein the Forms and Ufages of the molt ancient and 
worfliipful Fraternity are wifely propagated, and the 
Royal Art duly cultivated, and the Cement of the 
Brotherhood prefervedj fo that the whole Body re- 
fembles a well built Arch \ feveral Noblemen and 
Gentlemen of the beft Rank, with Clergymen and learned 
Scholars of moft Profeflions and Denominations, ha- 
ving 



Longleate Houfe in Wiliflilre, 
Chefterlee ftrect-Houfe in Durham Court/ 
Montague-Houfe In Bloomsbury, London, 
Drumlanrig Caftle in Nithifdaleihirc, 
CaftIe-Howard in Yorkfliire, 
Stainborough-Houfe in ditto, 
Hopton Caftle in Linlithgowihire, 
Blenheim-Caftle at Woodttock, Oxfordshire, 
Chatfworth-Caftlc m D:rbylhire, 
Palace of Hammilton in Clyfdaleftnre, 
Wanftcad Houfe in Epping-Foicft, EffcX;, 
Duncomb-Park in Yorkshire, 
Mereworth Caftle in Kent, 
Sterling-Houfe near SterHog-Caftle, 
Kinrols-Houfe in K'niofs/hire, 
Stourton-Caftle in Wiltlhire, 
Willbnry-Houfc in ditto, 
Bute Caftle in I(le of Bute, 
Walpole-Houfe near Lin Regis, Norfolk, 
Burlington-Houfc in PickadiTly, St. James's, 

Wcftminfter, 
Dormitory of King's School, Wcftminfter, 
Tottenham-Park in Wiltftrire, 
1%efe three 



VifcoM Weymouth. 

John Hedworth, Eff, 

Duke of Montagu. 

Duke 0} Quecnsbury. 

EarlofCztYltte. 

Earl of Strafford. 

Earl of Hopton. 

Duke of Marlborough, 
Duke «/ Devonshire. 
Duke of Hammilton. 
Lord Caftlemain. 
Thomas Duncomb Efa, 
Hon. John Fane Eft, 
Duke of At gyle. 
flr William Bruce Bart. 
Henry Hoar Efa, 
William Benfon Eff, 
Earle of Bute. 
Hon. Rob. Walpole Efy; 

of Burlington. 

Crown. 
Btucc. 
BURLINGTON, 



ion. tf.ot>. 

} Earlt 

C IheC 
> Lord\ 



t lafb are defign'dand conduHed by the Earl oj 
who bids fair to be the befi ArebHeff of Britain, [if be is not fo already'] and <We 
hear bit Lirdjbip Intends to piblip the valuable Remains of Mr. Inigo Jones, 
for the frnvrwement of other AnhiteHs. 

BeJIdet 



vlog frankly join'd and fubmitted to take the Charge^ 
and to wear the Badges of a F/-£<? and Accepted Majhn y 
under our prefent worthy Grand-Mafier^ the mo/I nobis 
PRINCE John Duke of MONTAGUE. 



Befidei more of the fame Rorrtan Style, and yet many more in Imitaticn of it, 
Vlhkb though they cannot be redue'd to any ctrtain Style, are /lately, beautiful, 
andcomenient Siruftures, notwithjlanding the Miftakes of their feveral Architects: 
And beftJer the fumptucui and venerable Goihick BuilSinos, paji reckoning, at 
Cathedrals; Parifh Churches, Chappels, Bridges, old Palaces of the Kings, 
of the Nobility, of the BiOiops, ard.the Ceimy, known well to traveller!, 
andtofuch at perufe the Hiflories of Counties', and the ancient Monument I of great 
Familiei, &c. as many EreHiom of the Roman Style may be reiiievi'd in Aft. 
Campbell tie Architea^J ingenious Book, m/W VITRUY1US RR1TANNI 
CUS : And if the Difpofttion for true ancient' Mafonry prevails, for feme time, 
with Soblemen\Gent!emen, and learned Men, (as it is likely it villi) this ISLAND 
•will become the MISTRESS of the Earth, for De/igmng, Drawing, and 
ConduHmg, and capable to inJIruS all otixr Natlonf in all things relating to the 
ROYAL ART. 






THE 



270 



& [ 47 ]& 
THE 

CHARGES 

Of a FREE-MASON, 

Ext ratted from the ancient RECORDS of Lodges 
&y0/«/ fotf, W of thoje in England, Scotland, and Ire- 
land, for the Ufe of the Lodges /'//London*. To be react 
at the making of New Brethren, or when the Majler 
Jbatt order it. 

The GENERAL HEJDS, viz. 
I. JKT++TOF GOD and RELIGION. 



♦♦JJ II. Of the CIVIL MAGISTRATE 

.*!fc2l f u P reme and fubordinate. 



* * •*-' *« 

|&** J}| HI. Of LODGES. 

IV. Of MASTERS, Wardens, Fellows^ and ^pren- 
tices. 

V. Of the Management of the Craft in working. 

VI. Of BEHAVIOUR, viz. 

i. In the Lodge while conjiituted. 
a. After the Lodge is over and the Brethren 
not gone. 

3. When 



271 



#[ 4« M> 
5. When Brethren meet without Strangers, 

but not in a Lodge, 
4. In Prefence of Strangers not Mafons. 
$. At Home, and in the Neighbourhood.. 
6\ Towards a Ji range Brother* 

I Concerning GOD and RELIGION. 

A Ma/on is oblig'd, by his Tenure, to obey the mo- 
ral Law j and if he rightly underftands rhe Art, he 
will never beaftupid JtheiJI, nor an irreligious Liber- 
tine. But though in ancient Times Mafons were 
chaTg'd in every Country to be of the Religion of that 
Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now 
thought more expedient only to oblige them to that 
Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their parti- 
cular Opinions to themlelves ; that is, to be good Men 
andtrue^ or Men of Honour and Honefly, by whatever 
Denominations or Perfuafion9 they may diftinguifh'd ; 
whereby Mafbnry becomes the Center of Union, and the 
Means of conciliating true Friendihip among Perfons 
that muft elfe have remain'd at a perpetual Diflance;- 

IL Of the CIVIL MAGISTRATE fupreme and 

fubordinate. 

A Mafon is a peaceable Subject to the Civil Powers* 
wherever he rcGdes or works, and~is never to be con- 
cern'd in Plots and Confpiracies againft the Peace and 
Welfare of the Nation, nor to behave himfelf undu- 
tiful to inferior Magiftrates j for as Mafonry. hath been 
always injured by War, Bloodfhed, and Confufion, 

fo 



$[ 49 3* 

f> ancient Kings and Princes have been much dill 
pos'd to encourage the Craftfmen, becaufe of their 
Peaceablenefs and Loyalty, whereby they practically 
anfwer'd the Cavils of their Adverfaries, and promo- 
ted the Honour of the Fraternity, who ever flourifh'd 
in Times of Peace. So that if a Brother fhould be a 
Rebel againft the State, he is not to be countenanc'd 
in his Rebellion, however he may be pitied as an un- 
happy Man ; and if convi&ed of no other Crime, 
though the loyal Brotherhood muft and ought to dit- 
own his Rebellion, and give no Umbrage or Ground 
of political Jealoufy to the Government for the time 
being; they cannot expel him from the Lodge y and 
his Relation to it remains indefeaGble* 

III. Of L O D G E S. 

A LODGE is a Place where Mafons aiTemble and 
work : Hence that Aflembly, or duly organized So- 
ciety of Mafons, is call'd a LODGE, and every Bro- 
ther ought to belong to one, and to be fubjeft to its 
By-Laws and the GENERAL REGULATIONS. 
It is cither particular or general, and will be beft un- 
deftood by attending it, and by the Regulations of the 
General or Grand Lodge hereunto annex'd. In ancient 
Times no Majler or Fellow could be abient from it, 
efpecially when warn'd to appear at it, without in- 
curring a fevere Cenfure, Until it appear to the Ma- 
Jler and Wardens, that pure Neccflity hinder'd him'. 

The Perfons admitted Members of a Lodge muft be 
good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and 

G dilcrect 



273 



difcreet. Age, no Bondmen, no Women, no immoral 
or fcaridalous Men, but of good. Report. 

IV Of MASTERS WJRDENS Fellows and Jp- 

prentices. 

All Preferment among Mafons is grounded upon real 
Worth and perfonal Merit only ; that fo the Lofds 
may be well ferved, the Brethren not put to Shame* 
nor the Royal Craft defpis d : Therefore no Mafler or 
Warden is chofen hy Seniority, but (of his Merit. It 
is tmpofrrble to dcfcribe thefe things in writing, and 
every Brother muft attend in his Place, 'and learn 
them in a way peculiar to this Fraternity Only Can- 
didates may know, that no Maper mould take an Jp- 
frenttce, unlefs he has fufficient Imployment for him, 
and unlefs he be a perfect Youth, having no Maim 
or Defeft in his Body, that may render him uncapa- 
ble of learning the Jrt y of ferving his Maker's LORD> 
and of being made a Brother , and then a Felbw~Craft 
in due time, even after he has ferved fuch a Term of 
Years as the Cuftom of the Country directs ; and that 
he fhould be defcended of honeft Parents j that fo, 
when otherwife qualify'd, he may arrive to the Ho- 
nour of being the WARDEN, and then the Majler of 
the Lodge, the Grand Warden., and at length the 
GRAND-MASTER of all the Lodges, according to 
his Merit. 

No Brother can be a WARDEN until he has 
pafs'd the part of a Fellow-Craft; nor a MASTER 
untif he has atted as a Warden, noi GRAND-WAR- 

DEN 



274 



*[ Si ]* 
DEN until he has been Ma/ler of a Lodge, nor 
GR.JND MASTER unlefs he has been <* Fellow-Craft 
before his Ele&ion, who is alfo to be nobly born, or 
a Gentleman of the bell Fafhion, or fome eminent Scho- 
lar, or fome curious Architect, or other Jrti/l, de- 
fended of honeft Parents, and who is of lingular 
great Merit in the Opinion of the Lodges. And 
for the better, and eafier, and more honourable 
Difcharge of his Office, the Grand-Ma/ler has a Pow- 
er to chufe his own D EPUTY GRAND-MA- 
STER, who muft be then, or muft have been for- 
merly, the Majler of a particular Lodge, and has the 
Privilege of afting whatever the GRAND-MASTER, 
his (Principal, fhould aft, unlefs the faid Principal be 
prefent, or interpofe his Authority by a Letter. 

. Thefe Rulers and Governors, fupreme and fuhcrdi- 
tiate, of the ancient Lodge, are to be obey'd in their 
relpective Stations by all the Brethren, according to 
the old Charges and Regulations, with all Humility, Re- 
verence, Loye, and Alacrity. 

V. Of the Management of the CRAFT in "working. 

All Mafons. fhall work honeflly on working Days, 
that they may live creditably on holy Days ; and the 
time appointed by the Law of the Land, or con- 
firm'd by Cuftom, fhall be obferv'd. 

The raoft expert of the Fellow-Craftfmen fhall be 
chofen or appointed the Ma/ler, or Overfeer of the 
Lord's Work; who is to becall'd MASTER bythofe 
that work under him. The Craftfmen are to avoid 
all ill Language, and to call each other by no difo- 

G x bliging 



275 



*[ 52 ]# 

bliging Name, but Brother or Fellow ; and to behave 
themfelves courteously within and without the Lodge. 

The Ma/ler, knowing himfelf to be able of Cun- 
ning, fhall undertake the Lord's Work as reafonably 
as poffible, and truly difpend his Goods as if they 
were his own ; nor to give more Wages to any Bro- 
ther or apprentice than he really may deferve. 

Both the M-dSTER and the Majons receiving their 
Wages juftly, fhall be faithful to the Lord, and ho- 
neftly finifh their Work, whether Task or "journey. 
Nor put the Work to J^ithat hath been accuftomed 
to "journey. 

None ihall difcover Envy at the Profperity of a Bro- 
ther, nor fupplantbimorputhim out of his Work,if he 
"be capable to finifh the fame j for no Man can finifh an- 
other's "Work fo much to the Lord's Profit, unlefs he be 
thoroughly acquainted with the Defign and Draughts 
of him that began it. 

When a Fellvw-Craftjhan is chofen Warden of the 
Work under the Mafler, he fliall be true both to Ma- 
fler and Fellows, lhall carefully overfec the Work in 
the Majler's Abfence to the Lord's Profit; and his 
Brethren fhall obey him. 

All Majons employ'd, (hall meekly receive their 
"Wages without Murmuring or Mutiny, and not de- 
fert the Mafler till the Work is finilh'd. 

A younger Brother fhall be inftructed in working, 
to prevent lpoiling the Materials for want of Judg- 
ment, and for encreaflng and continuing of Brotherly 
Love. 

All the Tools ufed in working fhall be approved 
bv the Grind Lodge. No 



276 



& [ 53 ]€» 
No Labourer fhall be employ'd in the proper 
Work of Majbnry ; nor fhall Free-Mafons work with 
thofe that are »of free, without an urgent Neceffi- 
ty; nor fhall they teach Labourers and unaccepted Mz- 
fons, as they fhould teach a Brother or Fellow. 

VI. O/BEHAVIOUR, viz. 

i. In the LODGE while CONSTITUTED. 

You are not to hold private Committees, or fepa- 
rate Conversion, without Leave from the Majler y 
nor to talk of any thing impertinent or unfeemly, nor 
interrupt the Mafier or Wardens, or any Brother fpcak- 
ing to the Mafier \ Nor behave yourfelf ludicroufly 
or jeftingly "while the Lodge is engaged in what is 
ferious ancV folemn ; nor ufe any unbecoming Lan- 
guage upon any Pretence whatfoever ; but to pay due 
Reverence to your Majler t Wardens, and Fellows, and 
put them to worfhip. 

If any Complaint be brought, the Brother found 
guilty fhall ftand to the Award and Determination of 
the Lodge, who are the proper and competent Judges 
of all fuch Controveifies, (unlefs you carry it by Jp- 
feal to the GRAND LODGE) and to whom they 
ought to be referr'd, unlefs a Lord's. Work be hin- 
der'd the mean while, in which Cafe a particular Re- 
ference may be made ; but you muft never go to 
Law about what conccrncth Mafonry, without an ab- 
folute Neceffity apparent to the Lodge. 

a. BEHA- 



111 



*[54]# 

z, BEHJVIOVR after the LODGE ts over and the 
BRETHREN not gone: 

You may enjoy yourfelves with innocent Mirth, 
treating one another according to Ability, but avoid- 
ing all Excels or forcing any Brother to eat or drink 
beyond his Inclination, or hindering him from going 
when his Occafions call him, or doing or laying any 
thing offenfive, or that may forbid an eafy and free 
Converfation ; for that would blaft our Harmony, 
and defeat our laudable Parpofes. Therefore no pri- 
vate Piques or Quarrels muft be brought within the 
Door of the Lodge, far fefs any Quarrels about Religi- 
on, or Nations, or State-Policy, we being only, as Ma- 
fbns, of the CathoRck Religion above-mention'd ; wc are 
alfo of all Nations, Tongues, Kindreds, and Languages, 
and are refolv'dagainft all Politicks, as' what never jet 
conduc'd to the Welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will. 
This Charge has been always ftrictly enjoin'd and ob 
ferv'd ; but efpccially ever fince the Reformation in 
BRITAIN, or the DiflTent and Seceffion of thefe Na- 
tions from the Communion of ROME. 

3. BEHAVIOUR when Brethren meet- without Stran- 
gers, hut not in a LODGE form'd. 

You are to falute one another in acourteous Manner, 
as you will be in/hu&ed, calling each other Brother, 
freely giving rautuai Inftru&ion as fhatl be thought 
expedient, without being ovcrfeen or overheard, and 
without encroaching upon each other, or derogating 

frorrtt 



278 



from that Refpeft which is due to any Brother, were 
he not a Mafbn: For though all Majons are as Bre- 
tbren upon the fame Level, yet Mafonry takes no 
Honour from a Man that he had before j nay rather 
it adds to his Honour, efpecially if he has deferv'd 
well of the Brotherhood, who muft give Honour to 
whom it is due, and avoid ill Manners. 

4. BEHAVIOUR in the Vrefence of STRANGERS 

not MASONS. 

You ihall be cautious in your Words and Carriage, 
that the moft penetrating Stranger ihall not be able 
to difcover or find out what is not proper to be inti- 
mated ; and ibmetimes you fhall divert a Difcourfe, 
and manage it prudently for the Honour of the wor- 
fhipful Fraternity. 

5. BEHAVIOUR at HOME, and in your NEIGH- 

BOURHOOD. 

You are to a& as becomes a moral and wife Man ; 
particularly, not to let your Family, Friends, and 
Neighbours know the Concerns of the Lodge, &c. but 
wifely to confult your own Honour, and that of the 
ancient Brotherhood^ for Realbns not to be mention'd 
here. You mull alfo confult your Health, by not 
continuing together too late, or too long from home, 
after Lodge Hours are paft j and by avoiding of Glut- 
tony or Drunkennefs, that your Families be not neg- 
lected or injured, nor you difabled from working. 

BE- 



18 279 



#[ S6 ]# 

6\ BEHAVIOUR towards a Grange BROTHER. 

You arc cautioufly to examine him, in fuch a Me- 
thod as Prudence ftiall direct you, that you may not be 
impos'd upon by. an ignorant falfe Pretender, whom 
you are to reject with Contempt and Derifion, and 
beware of giving him any Hints of Knowledge. 

But if you difcover him to be a true and genuine 
Brother, you are to refpect him accordingly ; and if 
he is in want, you muft relieve him if you can, 
or elfc direct him how he may be reliev'd : You 
muft employ him fome Days, or elfe recommend 
him to be employ'd. But you are not charged to do 
beyond your Ability, only to prefer a poor Brother, 
ihat is! a good Man and true, before any other poor 
People in the fame Circumftances. 

FINALLY, All thefe CHARGES you are to ob- 
lerve, and alio thofe that fhall be communicated to you 
in. another way, cultivating BROTHERLY-LOVE, 
the Foundation and Cape-ftone, the Cement and Glory 
of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding all Wrangling and 
Quarelling, all Slander and Backbiting, nor permit- 
ting others' to flander any honeft Brother, but defend- 
fng his Character, and doing him all good Offices, as 
far as is confiftent with your Honour and Safety, and no 
farther. And if any of them do you Injury, you muft 
apply to your own or his Lodge y and from thence you 
may appeal to the GRAND LODGE at the Quar- 
terly Communication, and from thence to the annual 
GRAND LODGE, as has been, the ancient laudable 

Conduct 



280 



*[ S7 ]* 

Condud of our Fore-fathers in every Nation ; never 
raking a legal Courfe but when the Cafe cannot be o- 
therwife decided, and patiently liftning to the honeft 
and friendly Advice of Mafler and Fellows, when they 
would prevent your going to Law with Strangers, or 
would excite you to put a fpeedy Period to all Law- 
Suits, that fo you may mind the Affair of MASONRY 
with the more Alacrity and Succefs ; but with re- 
fpecl to Brothers or Fellows at Law, the Mafier and 
Brethren mould kindly offer their Mediation, which 
ought to be thankfully fubmitted to by the contend- 
ing Brethren ; and if that Submiflion is impracticable, 
they muft however carry on their Trocejs or Law- 
Suit without Wrath and Rancor (not in the com- 
mon way) faying or doing nothing which may hin- 
der Brotherly Love, and good Offices to be renew'd 
and continu'd ; that all may fee the benign Influence 
of MASONRY, as all true Mafons have done from 
the Beginning of the World, and will do to the End 
of Time. 

^MEN SO MOTE IT BE. 




H POST 



281 



POSTSCRIPT. 

A#V% BROTHER, learned in the Law, has 
communicated to the Author (while this Sheet 
was printing) the Opinion of the Great 'Judge COKE 
Upon the Jtt againft Mafons, 3 Hen. VI. Chap. I. 
which is Printed in this Book, Wage 34, and which 
Quotation the Author has compared with the Origi- 
nal, viz. 

COKE's Jnftitutes, third <P art, Fol 99. 

The CAUSE wherefore this Offence was made Felony, 
is, for that the good Courfe and Effecl: of the Statutes of 
Labourers were thereby violated and broken. Now 
{fays my Lord COKE) all the Statutes concerning La- 
bourers, before this JB, and whereunto this Jet doth 
tefer, are repeal'd by the Statute of j Eliz. Chap. 4. 
whereby the Caufe and End of the making of this Aft is 
taken away ; and consequently this Act is become of no Force 
or Effect j for, ceffante rationc Legis, ceflat ipfa Lex : 
jind the Indictment of Felony upon this Statute mtiji 
contain, that thole Chapters and Congregations were 
to the violating and breaking of the good Courfe and 
Effeft of the Statutes of Labourers \ which now can- 
not be fo alledg'd, becaufe thefe Statutes be repeal 'd. There- 
fore this would be put out of the Charge of Jultices of 
Peace, written by Mailer LAMBERT, fag. i%y. 

This Ouotation confirms the Tradition of old Mafons, 
that this moft learned JUDGE really belong'd to the 
ancient Lodge, and was a faithful Brother. 

GENE- 



282 



GENERAL REGULATIONS, 

Compiled firft by Mr. GEORGE PAYNE, 
Anno 1720, when he was GRJND-MJSTER, and 
approv'd by the GRAND-LODGE on St. John 
Baptifts Day, Juno 1721, at Stations' s-Hall, LON- 
DON j when the moji noble PRINCE John Duke 
tf/MONTAGU was unanimoufly chofen our 
GRJND-MJSTER for the Year enfuing ; whochofe 
JOHN BEAL, M. D. his Deputy Grand-Mafter ; 

, 5 Mr. "fojiah ViUencau 7 were chofen by the Lodge 
and £Mr. Tho. Morris/yxn. \ GRAND- WARDENS. 

And now, by the Command of our faid Right Wor- 
fiipful GRAND-MASTER MONTAGU, the 
Author of this Book has compar'd them with, and 
redue'd them to the ancient Records and immemo- 
rial Ufages of the Fraternity, and digefled them in- 
to this new Method, with feveral proper Explicati- 
ons, for the Ufe of the Lodges in and about London 
and Weflminjier. 

I. fSCf *2|H E GRAND-MJSTER, or nrs DEPtf- 
^^'i^!^ TY, hath Authority and Right, noton- 
*- ly to be prefent in any true Lodge y but 



_vt"*2wS alfo to prefide where-ever he is, with the 
Majler ofthe Ledge on his Left-hand, and to order 

H 2 his 



283 



his Grand-Wardens to attend him, who are not to aft 
in particular Lodges as Wardens, but in his Prefence, 
and at his Command; becaufe there the GRAND- 
MASTER may command the Wardens of that Lodge, 
or any other Brethren he pleafeth, to. attend and aft 
as his Wardens pro tempore; 

II. The MASTER of a particular Lodgehzs the Right 
and Authority of congregating the Members of his 
Lodge into a Chapter at pleafure, upon any Emergency or 
Occurrence, as well as to appoint the time and place of 
their ufual forming : And in cafe of Sicknefs, Death, 
or necefTary Abfence of the Majler, the fenior War- 

''» Ihall aft as Mafler pro tempore, if no Brother is 
yrefent who has been Majler of that Lodge -before ; 
for in that Cafe the abfent Majler's Authority reverts 
to the laft Majler thenprefent; though he cannot aft 
until the faid jenior Warden has once congregated the 
Lodge, or in his Abfence the junior Warden. 

III. The Majler of each particular Lodge, or one of 
the Wardens, or fome other Brother by his Order, fhali 
keep a Book containing their By-Laws, the Names 
of their Members, with a Lift of all the Lodges in 
Town, and the ufual Times and Places of their form- 
ing, and all their Tranfaftions that are proper to be 
written. 

IV. No Lodge Ihall make more than FIVE new Bre- 
thren at one Time, nor any Man under the Age of 
twenty-five, who muft be alfo his own Maftcr ; unlefs 
by a Difpenfation from the Grand-Majler or his Deputy. 

V. No Man can be made or admitted a Member 
of a ©articular Lodge, without previous notice one 

month 



284 



Mouth before given to the faid Lodge, in order to tnaJke 
due Enquiry into the Reputation and Capacity of che 
Candidate-, unlefs by the Difpenfation aforefaid. 

VI. But no Man can be entcr'd a Brother in any 
particular Lodge, or admitted, to be a Member thore- 
of, without the unanimous Confent of all the Members 
of that Lodge then prefent when the Candidate is pro- 
pos'd, and their Confent is formally ask'd by the Ma- 
tter \ and they are to fignify their Confent or Dijfent 
in their own prudent way, either virtually or in form, 
but with Unanimity : Nor is this inherent Privilege 
fubjeft to a Difpenfation ; becaufe the Members of a 
particular Lodge are the beft Judges of it ; and if a 
fractious Member fhould be impos'd on them, it 
might fpoil their Harmony, or hinder their Freedom ; 
or even break and difperfe the Lodge; which ought 
to be avoided by all good and true Brethren. 

VII. Every new Brother at his making is decently 
to cloath the Lodge, that is, aU the Brethren prefent, 
and to depofite fomething for the Relief of indigent 
and decay'd Brethren, as the Candidate fhall think fit 
to beftow, over and above the fmall Allowance fta- 
ted by the By-Laws of that particular Lodge j which 
Charity fhall be lodg'd with the Mafter or Wardens, or 
the Cafhier, if the Members think fit to chufe one. 

^ And the Candidate fhall alfo folemnly promifc to 
fubmit to the Conjlitutions, the Charges, and Regulati- 
ons, and to fuch other good UJages as fhall be intima- 
ted to them in Time and Place convenient. 

VIII. No Set or Number of Brethren fhall withr 
draw or feparate themfelves from the Lodge in which 

they 



•>.-. 



they were made Brethren, or were afterwards admirte*d 
Members, unlets the Lo^e becomes too numerous ; nor 
even then, without a Difpenfation from the Grand- 
Mafter or his Deputy :' And when they are thus fepara- 
ted, they mud either immediately join themielves to 
fuch other Lodge as they fhall like beft, with the un- 
animous Confent of that other Lodge to which they go 
(as above regulated) or elfe they muft obtain the Grand- 
Mafter's Warrant to join in forming a new Lodge. 

If any Set or Number of Mafons fhall take upon 
themfelves to form a Lodge without the Grand- 
Mafttr's Warrant, the regular Lodges are not to coun- 
tenance them, nor own them as fair Brethren and du- 
ly form'd, nor approve of their Atts and Deeds ; but 
muft treat them as Rebels, until they humble them- 
ielves, as the -Grand-Majler fhall in his Prudence di- 
re£t, and until he approve of them by his Warrant, 
which muft be fignify'd to the other Lodges, as the 
Cuftom is when a new Lodge is to be regifter'd in the 
Lift of Lodges. 

IX.' But if any Brother fo far misbehave himfelf as 
to render his Lodge uneafy", he (hall be twice duly ad- 
mohilh'd by the Mcjler 01 Wardens in a form'd JLodge ; 
and. if he will not refrain his Imprudence, and obedi- 
ently fubmit to the Advice of the Brethren, and re- 
form what gives them Offence, he fhall be dealt with 
according to the By-Laws of that particular Lodge, of 
elfe in iuch a manner as the Quarterly Communication 
fhall in their great Prudence think fit j for which a 
new Regulation may be afterwards made. 

X. The 



286 



X. The Majority of every particular Lodge, when 
congregated, fhall have the Privilege of giving Injlrafti- 
ons to their Mafter and Wardens, before the affemblirig 
of the Grand Chapter, or Lodge at the three Quarterly 
Communications hereafter mention'd, and of the Jnnutl 
Grand Lodge too j becaufe their Mafter and Wardens 
arc their Repiefentatives, and are fuppofed to fpeak 
their Mind. 

XI. All particular Lodges are to obferve the fame 
Vfages as much as pofTible; in order to. which, and 
for cultivating a good Underftanding among Free- 
Ma/ons, forae Members out of every Lodge fhall be de- 
puted to vifit the other Lodges as often as fhall be 
thought convenient. 

XII. The GRjlND-Lodge confifts of, and is form'd 
by the Majlers and Wardens of all the regular particu- 
lar Lodges upon Record, with the GRAND-MA- 
STER at their Head, and his Deputy, on his Left- 
hand, and the Grand-Wardens in their proper Places ; 
and muft have a QUARTERLY COMMUNICA- 
TION about Michaelmas, Chrifimas, and Lady-Day, 
in lbme convenient Place, as the Grand-Majier fhall 
appoint, where no Brother fhall be prefent, who is 
not at that time a Member thereof, without a Di£- 
penfation ; and while he flays, he fhall not be al- 
low'd to vote, nor even give his Opinion, without 
Leave of the Grand-Lodge ask'd and given, or unlets 
it be duly ask'd by the laid Lodge. 

All Matters are to be determin'd in the Grand-Lodge 
by a Majority of Votes, each Member having one 
Vote, and the Grand-Majler having two Votes, un- 
lets 



287 



*[ *4 ]* 
lefs the faid Lodge leave any particular thing to the 
Determination of the Grand-Mafter, for the fake of 
Expedition. 

XIII. At the faid Quarterly Communication, all 
Matters that concern the Fraternity in general, or 
particular Lodges, or fingle Brethren, are quietly, fe- 
dately, and maturely to be difcouvs'd of and tranfact- 
ed : apprentices muft be admitted Majlers and Fellow- 
Craft only here, unlefs by a Difpeniation. Here al- 
io all Differences, that cannot be made up and ac- 
commodated privately, nor by a particular Lodge, are 
To be ferioufly confidered and decided : And if any 
Brother thinks himfelf aggrieved by the Decifion of 
this Board, he may appeal to the annual Grand-Lodgs 
next enfuing, and leave his Appeal in Writing, with 
the Grand-Majler, or his Deputy, or the Grand-War- 
dens. 

Here alfo the Majler or the Wardens of each parti- 
cular Lodge mail bring and produce a Lift of fuch 
Members as have been made, or even admitted in 
their particular Lodges fince the laft Communication of 
the Grand-Lodge : And there mail be a Book kept by 
the Grand-Majler, or his Deputy, or rather by fome 
Brother whom the Grand-Lodge fhall appoint for SE- 
CRETARY, wherein fhall be recorded all the Lodges, 
with their ufual Times and Places of foiming, and 
the Names of all the Members of each Lodge ; and 
all the Affairs of the Grand-Lodge that are proper to 
be written. 

They fhall alfo confidcr of the moft prudent and 
cffeclual Methods of collecting and difpofing of what 

Money 



L'ss 



Money (hall be given to, or lodged with, them in 
Charity ', towards the Relief only of any true Brother 
fallen into Poverty or Decay, but of none elfe : But 
every particular Lodge fhall difpofe of their own Cha- 
rity for poor Brethren, according to their own By- 
Laws, until it be agreed by all the Lodges ( in a 
pew Regulation) to carry in the' Charity colle&ed by 
them to the GRAND-LODGE, at the Quarterly or 
Annual Communication, iu order to make a common 
Stock of it, for the -more handfome Relief of poor 
Brethren. 

They mall alfo appoint a Treafurer, a Brother of 
good worldly Subftance, who (hall be a Member of 
the Grand-Lodge by virtue of his Office, and fhall be 
always prefent, and have Power to move to the 
Grand-Lodge any thing, efpecially what concerns his 
Office. To him fhall be committed all Money rais'd 
for Charity, or for any other Ufc of the Grand-Lodge, 
which he fhall write down in a Book, with the re- 
fpective Ends and Ufes for which the feveral Sums 
are intended ; -and fhall expend or disburfe the fame by 
fuch a. certain Order fign'd, as the Grand-Lodge fhall af- 
terwards agree to in anew Regulation : But he fhall not 
vote in chufing a Grand-Majler or Wardens, though 
in every other Tranfa&ion. As in like manner the 
Secretary fhall be a Member of the Grand-Lodge by 
virtue of his Office, and vote in every thing except 
in chufing a Grand-Mafter or Wardens. 

The Treafurer and Secretary fhall have each a Clerk, 
who muft be a Brother and Fellow-Craft, but never muft 
be a Member of the Grand-Lodge, nor fpeak without 
being allow'd or defir'd. 

I The 



289 



The Grand-Majler, or iiis Deputy, fhall always com- 
mand the Treafure'r and » Secretary, with their Clerks 
and Books, in order to fee how Matters go on, and to 
know what is expedient to be done upon any emer- 
gent Occafion, 

Another Brother (who muft be a Fellow-Craft') 
fliould be appointed to look after the Door of the 
Grand-Lodge j but mail be no Member of it. 

But thefe Offices may be farther explain'd by a 
7iew Regulation, when the Neceflity and Expediency 
of them may more appear than at prefent to. the Fra- 
ternity. 

XIV. If at any GRAND-LODGE, ftated or oc- 
cafion al, quarterly or annual, the GRJND-M ASTER. 
and his Deputy fhould be both .abfent, then the pre- 
fent Majler of a Lodge, that has been the longeft a 
Free-Mafon, fhall take the Chair, and prefide as Grand- 
Majler pro tempore ; and fliall be veiled with all his 
Power and Honour for the time ; provided, there is no 
Brother prefent that has been Grand-Mafter former- 
ly, or Deputy Grand-Majkr ; for the lift Grand- Majler 
prefent, or elfethe laft Deputy prefent, fhould ; always 
of right take place in the Abfence of the prefent 
Grand-Mafler and his Deputy. 

XV. In the GRAND-LODGE none can aft as 
Wardens but the Grand-Wardens themfelves, if prefent ; 
and if abfent, the Grand-Mafler, or the Perfon who 
prefides in his Place, fhall order private Wardens to 
a£t as Grand-Wardens prv tempore, whofe Places are to 
be fupply'd by two Fellow-Craft of the fame Lodge, 
call'd forth to aft, or fent thither by the particular 

Mailer 



290 



Maimer thereof; or if by him omitted, then they 
fhall be call'd by the Grand-Mafier, that lb the Grand- 
Lodge may be alwaysicompleat. 

XVI. The GRAND- WARDENS, or any other*, 
are firft to advife with the Deputy about the Affair* 
of the Lodge or of the Brethren, and not to apply to 
the Grand-Mafter without the Knowledge of the De- 
puty, unlefs- he refufe his Concurrence in any certain 
neceffary Affair - y in which Cafe, or in cafe of any 
Difference between the Deputy, and the Grand-War- 
dens, or other Brethren, both Parties are to go by 
Concert to the Grand-Majler, who can eafily decide 
the Controverfy and make up the Difference by 
virtue of his great Authority. 

The Grand-Mafler fhould receive no Intimation of 
Bufinefs concerning Mafinry, but from his Deputy 
firft, except in fuch certain Cafes as his Worfhip can 
well judge of; for if the Application to the Grand- 
Majler be irregular, he can eafily order the Grand- 
Wardens, or any other Brethren thus applying to 
wait upon his Deputy, who is to prepare the Bufinefs 
ipeedily, and to lay it orderly before his Worjbip. 

XVII. No GRJND-MJSTER, Deputy Grand-Ma- 
fter, Grand-Wardens, Treafurer, Seeretarf, or whoever 
aits for them, or in their ftead pro tempore^ can at the 
fame time be the Mafier or Warden oY a particular 
Lodge', but as foon as any of 'them has honourably 
difcharg'd his Grand Offiae, he returns to that Poft or 
Station in his particular Lodge, from which he was 
calPd to officiate above. 

I * XVIII. If 



291 



X VIIL IF the DEPUTY GRAND-MASTER be 

fiek, or neceflarily abfent, the Grand-Majler may chufe 
ariy Fellow-Craft he pleafes to be his Deputy pro tenU 
pore: But he that is chofen Deputy at the Grand- 
Lodge, and the Grand-Wardens too, cannot be dif- 
charg'd without the Caufe fairly appear to the Majo- 
rity of the Grand-Lodge ; and the GRAND-MAS- 
TER, if he is uneafy, may call a GRAND-LODGE 
on purpofe to lay the Caufe before them, and to have 
their Advice and Concurrence: In which cafe, the 
Majority of the Grand-Lodge , if they cannot reconcile 
the MASTER and his Deputy or his Wardens, are to 
concur in allowing the MASTER to difcharge his faid 
Deputy or his faid Wardens, and to chufe another De- 
puty immediately ; and the faid Grand-Lodge Uiall 
chufe other Wardens in that Cafe, that Harmony and 
Peace may be preferv'd. 

XIX. If the GRAND-MASTER ihould abufe hi* 
Power, and render himfelf unworthy of the Obedience 
and Subje&ion of the Lodges, he fhall be treated in a 
•way and manner to be agreed upon in a new Regulati- 
on j becaufe hitherto the ancient Fraternity have had 
no cccdlon for it their former GRAND-MASTERS 
having all behaved themfelves worthy of that honou- 
rable Office. 

XX. The GRAND-MASTER, with his Deputptmd 
Wardens, (hail (at ieaft once) go round and vifit all 
the Lodges, about Town during his Majlerfhtp. 

XXI. If the GRAND-MASTER die during his 
Maflerjbip^ or by Sickncfs, or by being beyond Sea, 
or any oLher way fhould be render'd uncapable of 

dilcnarging 



232 



*I 69 lb 

difchafging his Office, the DEPUTY, ot in his Ab. 
fence, the Senior GRAND-WARDEN, or in his 
Abfehce the Junior, or in his Abfence any three prefent 
Mafters of Lodges , fhall join to congregate the 
GRAND-LODGE immediately, to advife together 
upon that Emergency, and, to fend two of theii 
Number to invite the lajl GRAND-MASTER to 
refumc his Office, which now in courfe teverts to 
him j or if he refufe, then the next la ft, and fo back- 
ward ; But if no former Grand-Mafier can be found., 
then the Deputy fhall ad as Principal, until another 
is chofen ; or if there be no Deputy, then the old- 
eft Mafter. 

XXII. The BRETHREN of all the Lodges in 
and about London and Weftminfler, fhall meet at an. 
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION and Feafi, iA 
lbme convenient Place, on St. JOHN Baptifi's Day, 
or elfe on St. JOHN Evangelift's Day, as. the Grand- 
Lodge fhall think fit by a new Regulation, having of 
late Years met on 5/.. John Baptift's Day : Provided* 

The Majority of the Mafters and Wardens, with the 
Grand-Majler, his Deputy and Wardens^ agree at their 
Quarterly Communication,' three Months before, that 
there fhall be a Feaji, and a "General Communication 
of all the Brethren : For if either the Grand-Mafter y 
or the Majority of the particular Mafters, are againft 
it, it muft be dropt for that Time. 

But whether there fhall be a Feaft for all the Bre- 
thren, or not, yet the GRAND-LODGE muft meet 
in Jbme convenient Place annually on St. JOHN'S Day r 
or if it be Sunday, then on the next Day, in order to 

chufe 



293 



ijhufc every Year a new GRAND-MASTER, Deputy, 

and Wardens. 

XXIII. If It be thought expedient , and the 
GRAND-MASTER, with the Majority of the Ma- 
fters and Warden, agree to hold a GRAND FEAST, 

according to the ancient laudable Cuftom of Mafons, 
then the GRAND-WARD ENS fhall have the Care 
of preparing the Tickets, feal'd wfth the Grand-Maker's 
Seal, of difpofing of the Tickets, of receiving the 
Money for the Tickets, of buying the Materials of 
the Feaft, of finding out a proper and convenient 
Place to featt inj and of every other Thing that 
concerns the Entertainment. 

But that the Work may not be too burthenfbme to 
the two Grand-Wardens, and that all Matters may 
be expeditioufly and fafely managed, the Grand-Map 
ter, or his Deputy, fhall have Power to nominate and 
appoint a certain Number of Stewards, as his Wor- 
fhip fhall think fit, to act in Concert with the two 
Grand-Wardens; all Things relating to the Feafr. be- 
ing decided amongft them by a Majority of Voices j 
except the Grand-Matter or his Deputy interpofe by a 
particular Direction or Appointment. 

XXIV. The Wardens .and Stewards fhall, in dae 
time, wait upon the Grand-Majler, or his Deputy, for 
Directions and Orders about the PremhTes ; but if his 
Wbrjhip and his Deputy are fick, or neceflarilyabfent, 
they fhall call together the Matters and Wardens of 
Lodges to meet on -purpofe for their Advice and Or- 
ders j or elfe they may take the Matter wholly upon 
themfelves, and do the befl; they can. 

The 



294 



)[ 7« ]* 

The Grand- Wardens and the Stewards are to ao- 
count foT all the Money they receive, or expend, to 
the Grand-Lodge, after Dinner, or when the Grand- 
Lodge {hall think fit to receive their Accounts. 

If the Grand-Mafter pleafes, he may in due time 
fummon all the Mailers and Wardens of Lodges to 
confult with them about ordering the Grand-Feaft, 
and about any. Emergency or accidental Thing rela- 
ting thereunto, that may require Advice ; or elfe to 
take it upon himfelf altogether. 

XXV. The Matters of. Lodges Ihall each appoint 
one experiene'd and difcreet Fellow-Craft of his Lodge, 
to compofe a Committee, confiding of one from every 
Lodge, who (hall meet to receive, in a convenient 
Apartment, every Perfon that brings a Ticket, and 
lhall have Power to difcourfe him, if they think fit, 
in order to admit him, or debar him, as they lhall fee 
caufe : Provided they fend no Man away before they 
have acquainted all the Brethren within Doors with 
the Reafons thereof, to avoid Miftakes ; that fo no 
true Brother may be debarr'd, nor a falfe Brother or 
meer Pretender, admitted. This Committee muft meet 
very early on St. John's Day, at the Place, even be- 
fore any Perfons come with Tickets. 

XXVI. The Grand-Majler lhall appoint two or 
more trufty Brethren to be Porters, or Door-keepers, 
■who are alio to be early at the Place for lome good 
Reafons ; and who are to be at the Command of the 
Committee. 

XXVII. The Grand-Wardens, or the Stewards, fhall 
appoint belore-hand fuch a Number of Brethren to 

ferve 



19 295 



ierve at Table as. they think fit and proper for that 
Work; and they may advife with the Matters and 
Wardens of Lodges about the mod proper Perfohs, if 
they pleafe, or may take in fuch by their Recom- 
mendation ; for none are to ferve that Day^ \)\it free 
and accepted Mafons, that the Communication may be 
free and harmonious. 

XXVIII. All the Members of the Grand-Lodge 
miuft be at the Place long before Dinner, with the 
Grand-Ma(ler, or his Deputy at their Head, who (hall 
retire, and. form. fhemfclves. And this is done in or- 
der, 

i. To receive, any Jppeals duly lodg'd, as above 
regulated, that the Appellant may be heard, and the 
Affair may be amicably decided before Dinner, if 
poflible ; but \i it cannot, it muft be delay'd till af- 
ter the new Grand-Majler is eletted ; and if it cannot 
be decided after Dinner, it may be delay'd, and re- 
ferr'd to a particular Committee, that fhall quietly ad- 
jult it, and make Report to the next Quarterly Com- 
munication, that Brotherly-Love may be preferv'd. 

a. To prevent any Difference or Difguft which may 
be fear'd to arife that Day \ that no Interruption 
may be given to the Harmony and Pleafure of the 
GRAND FEAST. 

3. To confult about whatever concerns the Decen- 
cy and Decorum of the Grand-JJJembly, and to pre- 
vent all Indecency and ill Manners, the AfTembly 
being promifcuous. 

4. To receive and confider of any good Motion 
or any momentous and important Affair, that ihall 

be 



296 



be brought from the particular Lodges^ hy their Rc- 
prefentatives, the feveral Majlers and Wardens. 

XXIX.After there things are difcufs'd,the GRAND- 
MASTER and his Deputy, the G rand-Wat 'dens, or the 
Stewards, the Secretary, the Treafurer> the Clerks, and 
every other Perfon, lhall withdraw, and leave the 
Mafters and Wardens of the particular Lodges alone, 
in order to confult amicably about electing a NEW 
GRAND-MASTER, or continuing the frefint, if 
they have not done it the Day before; and if they 
are unanimous for continuing the frefettt Grand-Ma- 
iler, his Worfhip lhall be call'd in, and humbly de- 
fir'd to do the Fraternity the Honour of ruling them 
for the Year enfuing: And after Dinner it will be 
known whether he accepts of it or not ; Foritfhould 
not be difcover'd but by the Ele&ion it felf. 

XXX. Then the Mafters and Wardens, and all the 
Brethren, may converfe promifcuoufly, or as they 
pleafe to fort together, until the Dinner is coming in, 
when every Brother takes his Seat at Table. 

XXXI. Some time after Dinner the GRAND- 
LODGE is fofm'd, not in Retirement, but in the 
Prefence of all the Brethren, who yet are not Mem- 
bers of it, and mull not therefore fpeak until they 
are defired and allow'd. 

XXXII. If the GRAND-MASTER of lafl Year 
has confented with the Majlers and Wardens in private, 
before Dinner, to continue for the Year enfuing ; then 
pne of the Grand-Lodge, deputed for that purpofe, 
(ball reprejent to all the Brethren his Worfhip's good Go- 
vernment, &c. And turning to him, lhall, in the name 

K af 



297 



&[ 74 ]ft 

of the Grand Lodge, humbly requeft him to do the 
FRATERNITY the great Honour (if nobly born, if 
not, the great Kmdnefs) of continuing to be their Grand 
Mtfter for the Year enfuing. And his Worfbtp deba- 
ting his Confent by a Bow or a Speech, as he pleafes, 
the faid deputed Member of the Grand-Lodge (hall 
proclaim him GRAND-MASTER, and all the Mem- 
bers ol the Lodge (hall falute him in due Form. And 
all the Brethren (hall for a few Minutes have leave to 
declare their Satisfaction, Pleafute and Congratulation. 

XXXIII. But if either the Mafter and Wardens 
have not in private, this Day before Dinner, nor the 
Day before, defir'd the laft Grand-Mafter to continue 
In the Mafterfhip another Year ; or if he, when de- 
fir'd, has not confented : Then, 

The laft Grand-Mafter fhall nominate his Succeflbr 
fot the Year enfuing, who if unanimoufly approv'd 
by the Grand-Lodge, and if there prelcnt, mall be 
proclaim'd, faluted, and congratulated the New Grand 
Majler as above hinted, and immediately inftalPd by 
the laft Grand-Mafter, according to Ufage. 

XXXIV. But if that Nomination is not unani- 
moufly approv'd, the new Grand-Mafter fhall becho- 
fen immediately by Ballet, every Mafter and Warden 
writing his Man's Name, and the laft Grand-Mafter 
writing his Man's Name too; and the Man, whole 
Name the laft Grand Mafter mail firft take our, cafu- 
•lly or by chance, fhall be GRAND-MASTER for 
the Year enfuing; and if prefent, he (hall be proclai- 
med faluted, and congratulated, as above hinted, and 

forthwith 



298 



$[ 73 Itfc 
forthwith mftall'd by the laft Grand-Matter according 
to Ufage. 

XXXV. The laft Grand-Mafter thus continued, or 
the new Grand-Mafter thus inftall'd, fhall next nomi- 
nate and appoint his Deputy Grand-Mafter, either the 
laft or a new one, who fhall be alfo declared, ialutcd 
and congratulated, as above hinted. 

The G RAN D-MA STER fhall alfo nominate the 
new GRAND-WARDENS, and if unanimoufly ap- 
pro v'd by the Grand-Lodge, fhall be declar'd, faluted,and 
congratulated as above hinted; but if not, they fhall 
be chofen by Ballot, in the fame way as the Grand- 
Mafter: As the Wardau of private Lodges are alfo to 
be chofen by Ballot in each Lodge, if the Members 
thereof do not agree to their Ma/ier's Nomination. 

XXXVL But if the BROTHER, whom the pre- 
fent Grand-Mafter fhall nominate for his Succejfor, ot 
whom the Majority of the Grand-Lodge fhall happen 
to chufe by Ballot, is, by Sicknefs or other necefTary 
Occafion, abfent from the Grand-Feaft t he eannot be 
proclaimed the NEW GRAND-MASTER, unlefs 
the old Grand-Mafer, or fome of the Majlers and 
Wardem of the GRAND-LODGE can vouch, upon the 
Honour of a Brother, that the faid Perfon, fo nomi- 
nated or chofen, will readily accept of the laid Office; 
in which cafe the old GRAND-MASTER fhall ad as 
Proxy, and fhall nominate the Deputy and Wardens in 
his Name, and in his Name alfo receive the ufual 
Honours, Homage, and Congratulation. 

XXXVII. Then the GRAND-MASTER fhall al- 
low any Brother •, Fellow-Crafty or Apprentice to fpeafc, 

rv a directing 



299 



$[ 76* ]& 
dire&ing his Difcourfe to his Worjhip ; or to make any 
Motion for the good of the Fraternity, which fhall 
be either immediately eonfider'd and finifh'd, or elfc 
referr'd to the Confederation of the GRJND-LODGE 
at their next Communication, ftated or occafional. When 
that is over, 

XXXVIII. The GRAND-MASTER or his De- 
puty, or fomc Brother appointed by him, fhall ha- 
rangue all the Brethren, and give them good Advice : 
And laftly, after fome other Tranfattions, that can- 
not be written in any Language, the Brethren may 
go away or ftay longer, as they pleafe. 

XXXIX. Every Jnnual GRAND- LODGE has an 
inherent Power and Authority to make new Regulati- 
ons , or to alter thefe, for the r£al Benefit of this an- 
cient Fraternity : Provided always that the old LAND- 
MARKS be carefully preferv'd, and that fuch Alter- 
ations and new Regulations be propofed and agreed to 
at the third Quarterly Communication preceding the 
' Jnnual Grand Feajl ; and that they be offered alfo to 
the Perufal of all the Brerhren before Dinner, in wri- 
ting, even of the youngeil apprentice ; the Appro- 
bation and Confent of the Ma jowy of all' the Brethren 
prefent being abfolutely neceiiary to make the fame 
binding and obligatory ; which mud, after Dinner, 
and after the new GRJND-M^STER is inftall'd, be 
folemnly defir'd; as it was defn'd and obtain'd for 
thefe REGULATIONS, when propos'd by the 
GRAND-LODGE, to about jjo Brethren, on St. 
John Baft ijl's Day, 1721. 

<POST- 



300 



<&>[ 77 ]# 
<P0STSC2Ll<PT. 

Here follows the Manner oi conftitutrog a NEW 
LODGE, as praftis'd by his Grace the DUKE of 
WHARTON, the piefent Right Worfhipful 
GRAN D-M ASTER, according to the ancient 
Ufages of MASONS. 

ANEW LODGE, for avoiding many irregularities, 
fhould be folemnly conftituted by the Grand- 
Mafter, with his Deputy and Wardens ; or in the Grand* 
Maker's Ablence, the Deputy fliall ac\ for his Worfhip, 
and fliall chufe lbme Mafter of a Lodge to affift him , 
or in cafe the Deputy is abfent, the Grand-Mafter ihall 
call forth lbme Mafter of a Lodge to act as Deputy pro 
tempore. 

The Candidates, or the new Mafter and Wardens, 
being yet among the Fellow-Craft, the GRAND- 
MASTER fliall ask his Deputy if he has examin'd 
them, and finds the Candidate Mafter well skill'd in 
the noble Science and the royal Art, and duly initm&ed 
in our Myfteries, &c. 

And the Deputy anfwering in the affirmative, he ihall 
(by the Grand-Mafter's Order) take the Candidate from 
among his Fellows, and prefent him to the Grand- 
Mafter; faying, Right worfhtpful Grand-Mafter, the 
Brethren here deft re to be form d into a new Lodge ; and 
I prefent this my worthy Brother to be their Mailer, 
'whom I know to be of good Morals and great Skill, trite 

and 



301 



and tru/ly, and a Lover of the whole Fraternity, where- 
soever difpers'd over the Face of the Earth. 

Then the GRAND-MASTER, placing the Candi- 
date on his left Hand, having ask'd and obtafn'd the 
\wanimous Confent of all the Brethren, fhall fay, I 
conji'ttute and form thefe good Brethren into a new Lodge, 
and appoint you the Malter of it, not doubting of your 
Capacity and Care to preferve the Cement of the Lodge, 
5Cc. with fome other Expreffions that are proper and 
ufual on that Occafion, but not proper to be written. 

Upon this the Deputy fhall rchcarfe the ChargesoC a 
Majler, and the GRJND-MJSTER. fhall ask the Can- 
didate, faying, Do youfubmit to thefe Charges as Mafters 
Jjave done in all Jges 7 . And the Candidate fignifying 
his cordial Submiffion thereunto, the Grand-Mafler 
fhall, by certain fignificant Ceremonies and ancient 
Ufages, inftall him, and prefent him with the Confli- 
tulionsy the Lodge-Book, and the Inflruments of his Of- 
fice, not all together, but one after another ; and after 
each of them, the Grand-Mafler or his Deputy, fhalJ 
rehearie the fhort and pithy Charge that is f uitable to 
the Thing prefentcd. 

After this, the Members of this new Lodge, bowing 
all together to the Grand-Mafler, fhall return his Wcr- 
Jhip Thanks, and immediately do their Homage to their 
new Ma/ler, and fignify their Promife of Subjection, 
and Obedience to him by the ufual Congratulation. 

The Deputy and the Grand-lVardens, and any other 
Brethren prefent, that are not Members of this new 
Lodge, fhall next congratulate the new Majler % and 

he 



302 



6[ 79 ]& 

he jfhall return his becoming Acknowledgements to 
the Grand-Majier firft, and to the reft in their Order. 

Then the Grand-Majler defires the new Maftcr to 
enter immediately upon the Exercifc of his Office, in 
chufing his Wardens : And the new Mafler y calling 
forth two Fellow-Crafty prefents them to the Grand- 
Ma fier for his Approbation, and to the new Lodge for 
their Confent. And that being granted, 

The fenior or junior Grand-Warden, or fome other 
Brother for him, fliall rchearfe the Charges of Wardens ; 
and the Candidates being iblemnly ask'd by the new 
Mafter, mail fignify their Submiflion thereunto. 

Upon which the new Ma/tcr, prcfenting them with 
the Injlruments of their Office, mail in due Form, in- 
ftall them in their proper Places ; and the Brethren of 
that new Lodge fliall fignify their Obedience to the new 
Wardens by the ufiial Congratulation. 

And this LODGE being thus compleatly con- 
stituted, fliall be regiftcr'd in the Grand-Ma/?er's 
Book, and by his Order notified to the other 
Lodges. 




APPRO- 



803 



w 



80 ]< 

APPROBATION. 

HEREAS by the Gonfufions occafioned in the 
Saxon, Danifh, and f Norman Wars, the Records of 
Mafons have been much vitiated, the Free-Mafons of Eng- 
land twice thought it neceltary to correct theic Conjinutions^ 
Clwges, and Regulations ; firit in the Reign of King Athel-^ 
flan the Saxon, and long after in the Reign of King Ed- 
ward JV. the Norman : And whereas' the old Conjlitutions 
in England have been much interpolated, maogled, and 
miferably corrupted, not only with falfe Spelling, but even 
with many jfaifc Fads and grofs Errors in Hiflory and 
Chronology » through Length of Time, and the Ignorance 
of Tranlcribers, in the dark illiterate Ages, belore the 
Revival of Geometry and ancient Architecture, to the 
greal Offence of all the learned and judicious Brethren-, 
whereby alfo the Ignorant have been deceiv'd. 

And our late woithyGrand-Mafter, his Grace the Duke 
of MONTAGU, having order'd the Author to perufe, cor- 
rect, and digeil into a new and better Method, the Hiflo- 
ry, Charges, and Regulations of the ancient Fraternity ; 
He has accordingly examin'd feveral Copies from Italy and 
Scotland, and fundry Parts of England, and from thence, 
(rho' in many things erroneous) and from feveral other an- 
cient Records of Mafons, he has drawn forth the above- 
written new Conjiitutions, with the Charges and General 
Regulations. And the Author having fubmitted the whole 
to the Perufal and Corrections of the late and prefent De- 
puty Grand-Mafters, and of other learned Brethren ; and 
alfo of the Mailers and Wardens of particular Lodges at 
their Quarterly Communication; ho did regularly deliver 
them to the late Grand-Mafter himfelf, thefaid DUKE of 
MONTAGU, for his Examination, Correction, and Ap- 
probation; and his Grace, by the Advice of feveral Bre- 
thren, order'd the fame to be handfomely printed for the 

ufe 



304 



*C 8r 3<fe 
aft of the Lodges, tho* they were not quite ready for the 
Prefs during his Mafterihip. 

THEREFORE We, the -prefent Grand-Mzflet 
of the Right Worfhipiul and moft ancient Fraternity of 
Free and Accepted Mafoos, the Deputy Grand-Mafter, 
the Grand- Wardens, the Matters and Wardens of parti- 
cular Lodges (with the Confent of the Brethren and Fel- 
lows in and about the Cities of London and Wcftminfter) 
having alfo perufed this Performance, Do join our lauda- 
ble Prcdeceubrs in our folernn approbation thereof, as what 
We believe wilt fully anfwer the End proposed ; all the 
valuable Things of the old Records being retam'd, the 
Errors in Hiftory and Chronology corrected, the falfe Facts 
and the improper Words omitted, and the whole digefted 
in a new and better Method. 

And we ordain that thefe be received in everyparticu- 
lar Lodge under our Cognizance, as the ONLT CONSTl* 
VUTIONS of Free and Accepted Mafbns amongft us, to 
be read at the making of new Brethren, or when the Ma- 
iler frail think fit ; and which the new Brethren £houH jse- 
rufe before they are made. 

PHILIP Duke of WHARTON, Grattd-Majfer, 

J. T.DESAGULIERS, L. L. D. and F.R.S- 

DEQUrr Grand-Mafier, 

JOSHUJ TIMSON, Irr^dJtrtr**, 
WILLIAM HAWKlNS,l Grandmr * m ' 

And the Maflsrs and Wardttu of particular Lodges, viz* 

V THOMAS MORRIS, fen. Mtgtr. 

'John Briftow 7 „, . 

iitrabam Mot<, &<"*">■ 
II RICHARD HALL, Matter. 



III. JOHN TURNER, MaSer. 

Anthony Saytr") fffajbgs 
Edward Cole \ 

IV. Mr. GEORGE PAYNE, Maflt 

Franctt Sorell, £1$> 

V.Mr. 



305 



*[ 8i ]* 



V. Mt.M..BIRKHEAD. Matter. 

From, Bayly ± ^ 

Niiholai ufLraham } 
Fl. "WILLIAM READ, Mafler. 

'7oEri Glover^ ) , Tr § 

TttkTttorJenS 1 ^'*""- 
TJI. HENRY BRANSON,,Mafler. 

ySfyh^ iy<nievu 

VIII., Matter 

IX. GEO OWEN, M. D. Matter., 

EmaHBowen/ 1rr . . 

X. Matter. 

&£&£ ""*« 

XI. FRANCIS Earl of Dalkeith, Mr 

Capr. Andrew Rob'n>font.-, Tr . . 
Clfbomatlnwl l^arder,,. 

XU. JOHN BEAL. M. D. and 
F.R. S. Matter. 
Edward' Pawlet, Efq ,t . wxr. i „ . 



XIII. THO MORRIS, j<m. Matter. 

XIV THO. ROBBE, %, Matter 
"fhomai Graoef IJT T 
Bray Lam ?!""*"'■ 

XV. JOHN SHEPHERD, Matter. 

XVI. J. GEORGES, Efq, Matter. 
Robert Gray, Efq; * t rir arim . 
Charles Grymes, Efq,**"""™' 

XVII. JA ANDERSON, A.M. 
and Author of this Book, AJafier 

GwmVau^,^ ^ir ar dem. 
Iv alter Greenwood, Llq .£ 

XVIII. THO. HARBIN, Matter. 
miliam ^tUy^ %w 

John Saxen t 

XIX. ROBERT CAPELL, Matter 

William Bly t 

XX. JOHN GORMAN, Matter. 
Charles Garey W flto 
Edward Mor$,ey%* iVaTam - 






THE 



306 



Mafter'sSONG. 

OR THE 

HISTORY of MASO NR T. 

To be fung with a Chorus, when the MASTER fliall give Leave ( noBre- 

tber being prefcnt to whom Singing it dijagreeable) either One Part 

only, or all together, as he pleafes. 



PART I. 



I. 



A DAM, the firft of humane Kind, 
J\ Created with GEOMETRY 
Imprinted on his Royal Mind, 

InftruQed foon his Progeny 
CAIN & SETH, who then improved 

The lib'rsl Science in the Jrt 
Of J/chitefture, which they lov'd, 

And to their OfTspiing did impart. 
11. 
CAIN a City fair and (hong 

Firft built, and call'd it Confecrate, 
From Enoch's Name, hit eldeft Son, 

Which all his Race did imitate : 
But godly ENOCH, of Seta's Loins, 

Two Columns rais'd with mighty 
And all his Family enjoins (Skill: 

True Colonadmg to fullfil. 
III. 
Our Father NOAH next appcar'd 

A Mafin too' divinely taught ; 
And by divine Command uprear'd 

The ARK, that held a goodly 
(Fraught: 
Twas built by true Geometry, 

A Piece of Arcbtttflurc fine , 
Helpt by hisSons,inr»<wtfrTHREE, 

Concurring in the grand Diftgn. 



IV. 



So from the gen'ral Deluge none 
Were fav"d, but Afajoni and their 
<_WiWS ; 
And all Mankind from them alone 
Defending, JrchcteSure thrives-; 
For they, when multiply "d amain, 

Fit todifperfc and fill the Earth, 

In SHINAR's large 6c lovely Pkiu 

To MASONRY gave fecond Birth. 

V 

For moft of Mankind were; employ 'd, 

To build the City and the tfow't', 

The Gen'ral (.oige was ovcrjoy'd, 

In fuch Effects of Mafons Pow'r ; 
'Till vain Ambition did provoke 
Their Maker to confound their Piot ; 
Yet tho* with Tongues confus'dthey 

(fpokc, 
The learned Art they ne'er forgot. 
CHORUS 
Wbo can unfoldtbe Royal Art ? 

Orfmg iti Secrets in a Song? 
Theyrefaftt) kept in Mafons HEART 
Andto the ancient Lodge belong. 

{Stophere to drink the prefent GRAND' 
MASTER'i Health. 
La PART 



307 



*C «4]# 



PART n. 



I 



'■pHUSwbeBffnjm DABEL they 

1 (difperfc 

In Colonies to dilrant Climes, 

AM Mafnutne, who could tehearfe 

Their Works to thofe of after 

(Times ; 

KingNlMROD fortify 'd his Realm, 

ByCartles, Tow'rs, and Cities fai( ; 

MITZRA M, who rul'd at Egypt's 

(Helm, 

Built Pyramids ftupencfous there. 

II. 

NorJAPHET,artd his gallant Breed, 

Did lefs in Mafcmy prevail ; 

N'or SHEM, and thofe that did 

(fucceed 

To promis'd Blefltngs by Entail ; 

ForFatherABRAMbroughtfroml/R 

Geometry, the Science good ; 
Which he reveal'd, without demur, 
To all defcending from his Blood. 

IIT. 
Nay JACOB'S Race at length were 
(taughr, 
To lay afide the Shepherd's Cnnk, 
"Toufcwomttrywere brought, 

Whilftunder Phareh'i cruel Yoke, 

Till MOSES Matter- Mahn roft. 

And led the HOLV LODGE from 

(thence, 

A I i M j Ions train'd,to whomhe chofe. 

His curious Learning to difpenfe. 

IV. 

AHOLIAB and BEZ,ALEEL, 
InfpiredMen rheTENTliprear-'d ; 

Where the Shechinab chofe to dwell, 
And GeotailrKk Skill appear 'd f 



And whenthefe valiant Mofont fill'd 
Canaan, the leara'd PHENiCIANS 

(knew 
The Tribes of Ifra'l better ski I I'd 
In ufrchiiedure firm and true 



For DAGON's Houfe inCrwTown, 

Artfully propt by COLUMNS 

(At* ; 

By SAMSON's mighty Aims pull'd, 

(down 

On lords VblMian, whom ir flew ; 

Tho' 'twas the fineft Fabrick rais'd 

By Canaan's Sons, could not com- 

(pare 

With the Creator's Temple prais'd, 

For glorious Strength and SlruQurc 

(fair. 
VI 
But bere we (fop a wbile to toaft 
Our MASTER'* Healrh and 
(Wardinibo\\\ ; 
And warn yoa all to fhun the Coaft 
Of Samftm's Shipwrackt'Fame and 
(Troth . 
His Secret) once to WIFE drfclos'd 
His Strength was fled , his Courage 
tamd 
To cmel Fbes he was expos'd, 
And never was a Maftm nam'd 

CHORUS 
fP%» raaurfoiatbe Royal Art? 
- Orjing ill Secrets in a Sing > 
Tkeynfafelykept m Mafons-HEART, 
Jfnd le tbe ancient Lodge beleng 

[Stop here H drink the Health ef the 
Matter and Wardens ej tbii f'axit 
cuhr Lodge. 

EART 



308 



PART IIL 



WE fine of MASONS ancient 
(Fame 
When four/core Thoufand Crajtfmen 
(Hood, 
Under the MASTERS of great Name 
Ihree Thouf.md and fix Hundred 
(good, 
Employed by SOLOMON the Sin 
And Gen'ral MASTER MASON 

(too; 
As HIRAM was in (lately Tyre, 
Like Salem built by Aiafons true. 
II. 
The Royal Art was then divine, 
The- Crafifmen counfell'd from 
(above, 
The Temple did all Works outfliine, 
The wond'ring World did all 
(approve, 
Ingenious Men, from every Place, 

Came to furvey the glorious PHe ; 
And, when rcturn'd, began to trace, 
And imitate its lofty Style. 
III. 
At length the GRECIANS came to 

(know 
Geometry, and learnt the Art, 
Which great PYTHAGORAS did 

(fhow, 
And Glorious EUCLID did im- 
part ; 
Th* amaiing ARCHIMEDES too, 
And many other Scholars good ; 
Till ancient ROMANS did review 
The Art, and &;'««uiidciItood. 
IV. 
JJut whenpro«<fASIAthey had quell'd, 
And GREECE and EGYPT 
(overcome, 
In ArchiteQure they excell'd, 

And brought the Learning all to 
(ROME, 



Where wife V1TRUV1US, Mafier 

(prima 

Of drthitefli, the An improv'dj. 

InC-wr AUGUSTUS" peacefulTime, 

When Arts and Artifii were bc- 

(lov'd 

V. 

They brought the Knowledge from 

(the EaJI; 

And as they made the Narioru 

(yield. 

They fptead it tluo" the North and 

W. 

And taught the World the An it 
(.build, 
Witnefi their Cfadelt and Town. 

To fortify their Legions fine, ' 
Their Templet, Palaces, and Boui'ri, 
That fpoke the Mafons GRAND 
f ' (DESIGN 

VI. 
Thus mighty Eafitm Ktngt, and fomo 
QiAbram'i Race, and Monaichs 
(good*. 
Of Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome, 

True Architecture undcrftood : 
No wonder then if Mafons join, 

To celebrate thofe Mafon- Kings, 
With folemnNote and flowingWine, 
Whilft ev'ry Brother jointly fings, 

CHORUS. 
IVho can unfold the Royal Art ? 

Orfing its Seciets m a Song i 
'they're fafety kept in Mafon's Heart, 

And to the ancient Lodge belong. 

I Stop here to drink to the glorious Me' 
mery of Emperors, Kings, Princes, 
tbhlcs. Gentry, Clerfy, and learn- 
ed Scbo'ars that ever propagated tht 

Art. 

PART 



309 



PART IV. 



I. 



/^VH ' glorious Days TutlHafons wife, 
\J O'etaU the Reman Empire when 
Their /fciw, refounding to rhe*9kies, 

Proclaimed then) good and ufeful 
(Men; 
For many Ages thui employ'd, 

UntU the Goths with warlike Rage, 
And brutal ignorance, deftroy'd 

The Toil of many a learned Age. 

n 

But when the conquiing Goths were 

(brought 

T'cmbrace the Christian Faith, they 

(.found 

The Folly that theirFathers wrought, 

Jn lofs of Archittiiure found 

At length their ?ral for flarely Fams, 

And wealthy Grandeur; when at 

(Peace, 

Made them exert their utmoft Pains, 

Their Gothic Buildings to up-raifc. 

III. 

Thus many a fumptuous lofty Pile 
Was rats'd- inevety Chrijlian Land, 

Tho' not -conform to Roman Style, 
Yet which did Reverence command i 

The King and Craft agreeing dill, 
In well-form'd Lodges to fupply 

The mournful Want of Roman Skill 
With their, new Con of Mafonry. 

IV. 

For many Ages this prevails, 

Their Work is Anhite&urt den'n'd ; 
In England, Scotland, Ireland, Walts, 
Iht.Ctaftfmev highly are cfleem'd, 



By Kings, SLtSiafltrs of the Lodge, 
By many a -wealthy noble Peer, 

By Lord and Laird, by.Pnelt and 
(Judge; 
By all the People every where. 

V. 

So Mafbns ancient Records tell, 
King Athtlflan, of Saxon Blood, 

Gave rhem a Charter free to dwell 
In Lofty Lodge, with Orders good, 

Drawn from old Writings by his Son, 
Piince Edaoin, General Mafier bright, 

Who met at Tcrk the Brethren fpon, 
And to that Lodge did all recite. 

VI 

Thence were their is and Charges 

(fine 

In ev'ry Reign obferv'd with Care 
Of Saxon, DaniPu Herman Line,.* • 

Till Britifi Crowns united were -• 
The Monarch Firft of i his u hole I fit 

Was learned Janus aMafon King*, 
Who firft of Kings reviv'd the Style 

Of great Augustus : therefore ting. 

CHORUS. 

JVho can ttrfold the Royal Art ? 

Or fwg its Secrets to a Song ? 
they're fafely kept in Mafon's Heart, 

Jind to the ancient Lodge belong. 

[Step here to drink ta the happy ' Memory 
e}_ all the Revivers «f the ancient Att? 
guflan Style. 



PART 



310 



&L «7 1* 



PART V. 



IV 



THUS tho* in Italy the Art 
From Gotbick Rubbifi firft was 
(rais'd i 
And great Palladia did impart 

A Style by Mafons jnftly prais'd: 
Yerliae his mighty Rival Jones t 
Of Britifi Arenite&s the prime, 
Did .build fuch glorious Heaps of 
(Stones, 
As ne'er were match'd ftnee Cxfar's 
(Time. 
II. 

King diaries the firfj, a Mafon too, 

With feveral Peers and wealthy 
(Men, 
Employ 'd fiim & his Ciaf tfmen true, 

"Till wretched Civil Wars began. 
Bur after Peace and Crown reftor'd 

Tho' London was in Afhes laid, 
By Mafons Art and good Accord, 

A finer London reat'd its Head. 

III. 

King Charles the fecond taifed then 

The fincft Column upon Earth, 
Founded St. Paul's, that (lately Fane, 

And Royal Change, with Joy and 
.(Mirth .- 
But afterwards the Lodges fail'd; 

Tilt great Naffau the Taft reviv'd, 
Whole bright Example fo prevail'd 

That ever fince the Art has thriv'd. 



Let other Nations boaft at will, 

Great Britain now will yield to 
ForrrueGeometryandSkill, (none, 

In building Timber, Brick and 
(Stone ; 
For Architecture of each fort, 

For curious Lodger, where we find 
The Nohle and the iVife relbrt, 

And drink with Crattfmen true and 
(kind. 



Then let good Brethren all rejoice. 

And fill their Glafs with chearful 

(Heart i 

Let them exprefs with grateful Voice 

The Praifes of the wondrous Art : 
Let ev'ry Brother's Health go round, 

Not Fool or Knave but Mafon true ; 
And let our Mafter's Fame refound, 

The noble DuhifMOHtfAGU. 

CHORUS. 

Who can unfold the Royal Art J 
Or fine ill Secrets in a Song* 

they're fafely hpt in -Mafon's Heart, 
And to the ancient. Lodge behng. 



T HE 



20 



311 



*[ 88 ]« 
THE 

Warden's Song; 

OR. ANOTHER -»• 

HISTORY of MASONRY. 

COMPOS D 

Since the mod noble Prince PHILIP Duke of WHAR- 
TON was chofen GRAND-MASTER. 

To be lung and play'd at the Quarter!/ Communication. 



WHEN e'er we ate alone, 
And ev\y Stranger gone, 
In Summer,Aunimn,Winter,SpHng, 
Brgln to play, begin to fing. 
The mighty Gtnius of the lofty Lodge, 
In cv'ry Age 
That did engage 
And well infpir'd the Prince, the 
(Priefr, the Judge, 
The Noble and the Wife to join 
In rearing Mafons Grand Dtjign. 

ir. 

The Grand Drfgn to tear, 
Wat ever Jfajcnt Care, 
From Ainm down before the Flood, 
Whofe jlrl old Mm* undeiftood, 
And did impart to %j*tf, Stem and 
Who taught their Race {.Htm, 
To build apace 
Pioud Bahtl'% Town and Tow'r, un- 
(til icca.me 
To be adrair'd too much, and then 
Difpeifed.wcre the Sons of Mai. 



Ill 

But tho* their Tongues confus'd 
In dinant Climes they us'd, 
They brought from Shinar Ordera 

To rear the Jn they undeiftood : 
Thciefore fing firft the Princes of the 
Next Btlus great, (Iflea ; 
Whofixt his Scat 
In old Jffyria, building (lately Pileij 
And Mtltraim't Pyramids among 
The other Subjects of out Song. 

IV. 

And SUm, who did inftil 
The ufeful wondiout Skill 
Into the Mindt of Nations great : 
And Ahram next, who did relate 
Th' Jfiyrian Learning to his Sent, 
In Egyp'i Land, (that when 
By Pbttrcah's Hand, 
Were roughly taught to be mod 
(skilfnlMerr; 
Till their Grand-Mafter Mofei tofe 
And them dclircr'd from their Foet. 

V.Bu 



312 



*[ ^ ]# 



But wlio earning liis Praife, 

Who did the Tent upraife ? 
Then (ing his Workmen true as Steel, 
Abe! tab and Bezaleel; 
Sing tf>« and ty/w, and PUnkiam old. 

But Samfon's Blot 

Is ne'er forgot : 
He blabb'd his Secrets to his PPif*. that fold 
Her Husband, who at laft pull d down 
The Houfe on alllo Gaza Town. 

VI. 

But Solomon the King 

With folemn Note we fing, 
Who rcar'd at length the Grand Defign, 
By Wealth, ami Pow'r, and Art divine ; 
Helpt by the learned Hiram Tyrian Prince, 

By Craftfmen good, 

That underftood 
Wife Hiram Abif's charming Influence : 
He aided Jewifb Makers bright, 
Whofc curious Works none can recite. 

VII. 

Thefe glorious Mafon Kings 
Each thankful Brother lings, 
Who to its Zenith iais'd*the Art, 
And to all Nations did impart 
The ufeful Skill .• For from the Temple 
To ev'ry Land, 0* ne » 

And foreign Strand, 
The Craftfmen march'd, and taught the 
{Grand DeJIgn ; 
Of which the Kings, with mighty Peers, 
And learned Men, were Oveueeis. 



VIIL 

Diana's Temple ncst t 

In Lejfer Ajia fixt ; 
And Babylon's proud fVatls % (t%t Setft 
Of Nebuchadnezar the Great ; 
The Tomb of Maufifus, the •C*i7/w"Kifig % 

With many a Pile 

Of lofty Style 
la Jfrka and Greater JJta, (ing, 
In Greece, in Sicily, and Rome, 
That had thole Nations overcome, 

IX. 

Then (ing Augufiut too, 
, The Gen'ral Mafler true, 
Who by Vitruvlut did refine 
And (pread the Mafons Grand DeJIgn 
Thro* North and Weft; till ancient BriMV 
The Royal Art- (chofe 

In ev'ry Part, 
And' Roman Architecture could difclofe-i 
Until the Saxons warlike Rage- 
Dcftro/d the Skill of many an Age, 

X. 

At length the Gotlkk St,tt 
PrevaiPd in Britain's Ifle, 
When Mafcns Grand Dejign reviv'd, 
And in their well foitn'dioages thrjv'd 
Tho' not as formerly in Reman Days; 
Yet (ing the Fanes 
Of Saxons, Danes, 
Of Scots, sTelcb, Irifi ; tut (ing (lift 

(thcTraife 
Of Atbeljlan and Edwin Prince, 
Our Mafier of gieat Influence. 



M 



XL Ac. 



313 



£[ i>° J* 



XI 



xm. 



And eke the Norman Kings J From henceforth ever fin 

The Britifi Mafon fings .• 
Till Roman Style revived there, 
And Britifi Crowns united were 
lit learncd^trwM, a Mafon King, who raij'3 
Fin: Heaps of Stoncj 
By Inigo Jones, 
That rival'd wife Palladia, juftly prais'd 
In Italy, and Britain too, 
For Architecture firm and true. 



XII. 

And thence in ev'ry Reign 
Did Mafonry obtain 
With Kings, the Noble and the Wife, 
Whofe Fame refounding to the Skies, 
Excites the prefent Age in Lodge to join, 
And Aprons wear. 
With Skill and Care, 
To raife the Mafons ancient Grand Dejtgn, 
And 10 revive th" Auguflan Style 
Jn many an artful glorious Pile. 



From henceforth ever fing 
The Craft/man and the King, 
With Poetry and Mvptk (weee 
Refound their Harmony compleat . 
And with Geometry in skilful Hand, 
Due Homage pay, 

Without Delay, ( Grand 

To IV barton f t nohle Duh our Majfef 

He rules the Free-lorn Sbns of Art, 

By Love and Friendfhip, Hand and 

(Heart 
C H K U S. 

Who can rehearfe the Praife, 

In fofc Poetic k Lays, 
Or folid Profe, of Mafons true, (View ? 
Whofe Art tranfeends the common 
Their Secrets, ne'er to Strangers yet ex- 

Preferv'd fhall be (pOs'd, 

By Mafons Free^ 
And only to the ancient Lodge difclos'd ; 
Becaufc they're kept in Mafias Heart 
By Brethren of the Royal Art. 



To fill up this Page, it is thought not amifs to infert here a Paragraph from an old 
Rec'ord ol Mafons, viz. Tbe Company 0} Mafons, being etberivife termed Free Mafons, of 
Aumiint Staundtng and good Reckoning, by means of affable and kind Meetings diverfe < fymeS, 
and as a loving Brotherhood Jbould ufe to doe, didfrequent tils mutual Affembly in the lym* 
tf King Henry V. the \ith Year of bis mojl gracious Reign And the faid Record descri- 
bing a Coat 0] Arms; much the fame with Tbat of the LONDON COMPANY" of Free- 
men Maibns, it is generally believ'd that the faid Company is defcended of the ancient 
Fraternity ; and that in former Times no Man was .made iree of that Company until he 
Was jnftall'd in fo'me Lodge of Free and Accepted Mafons, as a neeeflary Qualification. 
But that laudable Pra&iie feems :o have been long in DuTaetude. The Brethren in 
foreign Parts have alfo difcover'd that ieveral noble and ancient Societies and Orders of 
Men have derived rheit-Charget and Regulations from the Free-Mafont, (which are now 
the moft ancient-Orvfer upon Earth) and perhaps were originally all Members too of 
the faid ancient and worfhipful Fraternity. But this will more fully appear in due 
Time • 



314 



THE 

FELLOW-CRAFTS SONG 

By our Brother CHARLES DELJFJTE, Efij 

To be fung and play'd at the G R A N D-F E A S T. 



HAIL Mafonry ! thou Craft divine ! 
Glory of Eartb, from Heav'n re- 
(veal'd ; 
Which doft with Jewels precious fhiue, 
From all but Mafons Eyes conceal'd. 
CHORUS. 
*fby Praifes due who eon rebearfe 
Jit vervoHS Profe, or flowing Vtrfe I 

II. 

As Men from Brutes diftinguifli'd are, 

A Majen other Men excels; 
For what's in Knowledge choice and rare 
But in his Breafc feeurelv dwells I 
CHO R VS 
HisJStnt Bread and faithful HeaiC 
Prejerve the Secrets of the Art. 

III. 

Fromfcorchfng Heat, and piercing Cold , 
From Beafts, whole Roar the Foreft 

(rends ; 
From the Affaults of Warnours bold- 
The Mafons Aft Mankind defends, 
CHORUS. 
Be to this Art die Hontux paid, 
Fnm <whkh Mankind moves {udAia 7 , 



IV 

Enflgns of State, that feed our Pride, 
DilHn&ions troublefome, and vain . 

By Mafons true are laid aiide : 
Art's free-born Sons fuch Toys difdaio 

C HO R (7$ 

Ettnohled by the Name they bear 
Dijlinguijit by the Badge they wear 

V. 

Sweet Fellowlhip, from Envy free : 
Friendly Converts of Brotherhood 

The Lodge's lafoag Cement be I 
Which his for Ages firmly flood, 
CHORUS. 

A Lodge, thus built, for Ages faft 

Has lajfed, and will ever lap. 

VI. 

Then in our Songs be Juftice done 
To thofe who have enrich'd the Art*. 

From Jabal down to Burlington, 
Ana let each Brother bear a Part. 

CHORUS. 
Let voile Mafons Healths go rouvl. 
Ubsir Praife in lefty Lodge refowoi. 



M a 



THE 



315 



4tf p* ]& 

THE 

Enterd PRENTICES SONG. 

By our late BROTHER 

Mr. AM rr^ EfV BIRKHEAD, deceas'd. 

To be Tung when all grave Eufinefs is ever, and with the MASTER - ! Lwr 



COME let us prepare, 
We Brothers that arc 
Aflembledon merry Occafion •• 

Let's drink, laugh, and fing ; 
Our Wine has a Spring : 
Here's a Health to an Accepted Mafon. 

IT. 

The World is in pain 

Our Secret to gain, 
And" (till let them wonder and gaie on ; 

They ne'er can divine 

The Word or the Sign 
Of a Free and an Acceped Mafon. 

III. 

*Tis <fhit t and 'tis -That, 
.They cannot tell What, 

Why fo many Great Men of the Nation 
Should Aprons put on, 
To make themfelves one 

With 9- Free and an Accepted Mafon. 



IV 

Great Kings, Dukes, and CorJt, 
Have laid by their Swords, 

Our Myft'ry to put a good Giace on, 
And ne'er been afliam'd 
To hear thcmfelves nam'd 

With a Free and an Accepted Mafon. 



Antiquity's Pride 

We have on out fide, 
And it maketh Men juft in their Station . 

There's nought but what's good 

To be underltood 
By a Free and an Accepted Mafon. 

VI. 

Then join Hand in Hand, 
Teach each other firm (land, 

Let's be merry, and put a bright Face oir; 
What Mortal can boaft 
So NOBLE A TOAST, 

As a Free and an Accepted Mafon. 



A New 



316 



*[93]<S 



•MMMiAMAiA M Jl 



f^ffl^lffffffffiffffffffffffll 



A New SONG. 



WHAT though they call us Ma- 
(fbns Fools, 
We prove by Geometry and Rules, 
Wcye Arts are taught in all our Schools ; 

They charge us falfcly then. 
We make it plainly to appear, 
By our Behaviour everywhere 
That where you meet a Mafon, there 
You meet a Gentleman. 

II. 

Tis true we once have charged been* 
With Difobedionce to our Queen ; 
But after Monarchs plain have feen, 

The Secrets they have fought. 
We hatch no Plots againft the State, . 
Nor 'gainft great- Men in Power prate 
But all that's generous, good ana great 

Is daily by us taught. 



Ill 

What noble Structures do -wc tea 

By ancient Brethren raifed be 1 

The World's furprk'd, and Hull not we 

Then honour Malbnry ? 
Let thofe that do defpife the Art 
Live in a Cave in fome Defart, 
And herd with Beafts from Men apart 

For their Stupidity. 

IV 

View but thole Savage Nations, wnere 

No Mafonry did e'er appear, 

What ftrange unpoliih'd Brutes they are 

Then honour Malbnry. 
It makes us courteous, eafy, free, 
Generous, honourable, ana gay; 
What other Art the like can fay? 

Here's a Health to Mafonry/ 



317 



<&[ 94 ]&• 






LONDON, this 17th Day of January », 1721,3. 

AT the Quarterly Commumcatton y Thio Book, Which was 
undertaken at the Command of His GRACE the 
DUKEofMONTAGU, our late Grani-Majler, 
having been regularly approved in Manufcript by the Grand- 
Lodgz, was this Day produced here in Print, and approved 
by the IS O^C IE T Y : Wherefordwe do hereby Order the 
fame to be Published, and recommend it for the Ufe of the 
LODGES. 

PHILIP DUKE of WHARTON, Crimi-MafUr. 

J. T.DESAGULIERS, BefotyGroBJ-MoJler. 



FINIS. 



'Wis? 



318 





LOAN EXHIBITION 

OF 

FRAN KLIN I AN A 

Under the Direction of the 

R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 

F. & A. M. 

MASONIC TEMPLE, PHILADELPHIA 



March 7th to April 23rd 
1906. 



THE LOAN EXHIBITION OF 
FRANKLINIANA 

At the Quarterly Communication in December, the 
Committee on Library, in its annual report, said: 

"Your Committee has also asked for an appropria- 
tion of $1,500 to arrange for a Loan Exhibition of 
Frankliniana in connection with the celebration of 
the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Frank- 
lin, which will be held by the Grand Lodge, the 
American Philosophical Society and the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania. The experience gained in 
connection with a similar exhibition in memory of 
Washington, will assist your Committee to make the 
contemplated exhibition one of great interest as well 
as profit to the Fraternity and to the public generally. 
When the appropriation is made and becomes avail- 
able, immediate steps will be taken by the Librarian, 
under the direction of a sub-committee of the Com- 
mittee on Library, to make the necessary arrange- 
ments for the purpose indicated." 

The Committee on Finance having approved of the 
amount requested, the appropriation was made by the 
Grand Lodge. 

The Committee on Library, Brothers Louis Wag- 
neb, I. Layton Register, William D. McIlroy, Samuel 
W. Latta, Chaeles L. Lockwood, John Wanamaker 
and Julius F. Sachse, appointed a sub-committee com- 

319 



Xoan Eibibition 



posed of Brothers Wagner, Latta, Lockwood and 
Sachse, to take charge of the matter, and, in conjunc- 
tion with the Librarian, Brother George P. Rupp, 
who was most enthusiastic and efficient, gathered 
together a very valuable and interesting collection of 
matter relating to Past Grand Master Franklin. 

At the completion of the exercises in the Grand 
Lodge on the evening of March 7th, Brother Louis 
Wagner, Chairman of the Committee on Library, 
announced that, in accordance with the action taken 
at the Quarterly Communication on December last, 
the Committee had arranged for an exhibit of Frank- 
liniana, which was in place and ready for the inspec- 
tion of the Brethren in the east end of the main 
corridor of the Temple, adjoining the Library; that 
a large number of exceedingly interesting relics of 
Franklin and of Ins time and generation had been 
loaned; and that the Exhibition would continue until 
April 23rd, from 10 A. M. to 4 P. M. for the general 
public, and at other hours for members of the Craft. 

The exhibition remained open until April 23d, and 
during that time was visited by 47,287 persons. 



320 



CATALOGUE 



COMPILED BY 

BROTHER JULIUS F. SACHSE 

OF THE COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY 



1 Benjamin Franklin. Portrait in oil. Full length. Painted 

by Fred James, Philadelphia, 1884. 

Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

2 Benjamin Franklin. Portrait in oil. After Martin, by 

Samuel Bell Waugh. 
Loaned by the Franklin Fire Insurance Company of Phila- 
delphia. 

3 Benjamin Franklin. Portrait in oil. After Martin, by 

Thomas Sully. 

Loaned by Mrs. William Pepper, Philadelphia. 

4 Benjamin Franklin. Portrait in oil. After Martin, by 

Etter. 
Loaned by Select and Common Councils of Philadelphia. 

5 Same. Portrait in oil. By Joseph Sigfrede Duplessis. 
Loaned by the Mutual Assurance Company of Philadel- 
phia. 

6 Same. Portrait in pastel. By Joseph S. Duplessis. 

Loaned by Mr. Felix Isman, Philadelphia. 

7 Same. Portrait in oil. By Th. Gainsborough. 

Loaned by the University of Pennsylvania. 

8 Same. Portrait in oil. By Matthew Pratt. 

Loaned by Mr. Charles H. Hart, Philadelphia. 

9 Same. Portrait in oil. Copy by Welsh, A. D. 1855, of 

Benjamin West's portrait of Franklin, at the Pennsylvania 
Hospital. 
Loaned by Select and Common Councils of Philadelphia. 

10 Francis Folger Franklin. Original portrait in oil of Frank- 
lin 's son, who died aged four years, and who is buried in Christ 
Church Burying Ground at S. E. Corner of Fifth and Areh 
Streets, Philadelphia, near his parents. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edward P. Davis, Philadelphia. 
321 



1706— Zbe jfranfcltn Bicentenary— 1906 

11 Sarah (Sally) Franklin. Portrait in oil. By Thomas Sully, 

after Hopner. The original is in the Metropolitan Museum in 
New York. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edward P. Davis, Philadelphia. 

12 Benjamin Franklin. Portrait on panel in oil, size 8x10 

inches. Cochin type. 

Loaned by Mr. Albert Rosenthal, Philadelphia. 

13 Same. Portrait on panel in oil, size 8x10. Filleul type. 

Loaned by Mr. Albert Rosenthal, Philadelphia. 

14 William Allen. Portrait in oil of the First Grand Master 

of Pennsylvania. Painted by Benjamin West. 
Loaned by Select and Common Councils of Philadelphia. 

15 Benjamin Franklin. Original miniature by Thouron, a 

Swiss artist, painted on ivory, date given as 1782. A study 
for this miniature is owned by the French Government and 
deposited in the Louvre. (See portrait on cover of programme, 
p. 15, ante.) 

Loaned by Bro. Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia. 

16 Same. Miniature on ivory. Artist unknown. 

Loaned by Mrs. William Pepper, Philadelphia. 

17 Same. Original portrait. Drawn with pencil by Benjamin 

West. Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

18 Same. Le Docteur Franklin. Pencil drawing by De Meaux, 

after Duplessis. Given by Franklin to Miss Elisa Hewson 
(Mrs. D. Caldwell, grandmother of present owner). 

Loaned by Mr. C. S. Bradford, Philadelphia. 

19 Same. Plaque by Wedgwood, size 2% x 1% inches. In 

white bas-relief, on blue background. Labeled on back ' ' A 
rare inquen waxon Jasper 1782." 

Loaned by Messrs. J. E. Barr & Co., Philadelphia. 

20 Same. Terra cotta medallion, bas-relief. Modeled by Nini 

in France, 1777. One of the fifteen original medallions. 

Loaned by Bro. Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia. 

21 Louis XVI. of France. Miniature on ivory. By Louis 

Sicardy, about 1784. Presented by the King to Franklin upon 
his retirement as Minister to France. It was originally set 
with three circles of 408 diamonds. This miniature was re- 
ferred to in Franklin's will, which bequeathed it to his daugh- 
ter, Sarah Bache. 

Loaned by James May Duane, Esq., of New York. 

22 Franklin. Four colored studies of Franklin types in min- 

iature frames. By Albert Rosenthal. 

Loaned by the Artist. 
322 



Catalogue 



23 Same. Large color study. By Albert Rosenthal. 

Loaned by the Artist. 

24 Same. Colored engraving, after Charles Willson Peale. 

Etched by Max Rosenthal. 

Loaned by Messrs. J. E. Barr & Co., Philadelphia. 

25 Same. Marble bust in Carrara marble. By Guiseppe 

Ceracchi. 

Loaned by the Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia. 

26 Same. Marble bust — very fine. 

Loaned by the Franklin Fire Insurance Company of Phila- 
delphia. 

27 Franklin. Marble bust. Artist not known. 

Loaned by the Union League of Philadelphia. 

28 Same. Bronze bust. By Jean Antoine Houdon. Marked 

"Houdon, 1778." 

Loaned by Joseph Y. Jeanes, Esq., Philadelphia. 

28a Franklin. Marble bust. 

29 Washington. Marble bust. 

Loaned by Select and Common Councils of Philadelphia. 

30 Benjamin Franklin. An original etching. "Charles Will- 

son Peale, fecit ' ' — 1787. 

Loaned by Mrs. Warren S. Gould, Boston, Mass. 
Franklin, as Grand Master. A pen drawing made for a 
local newspaper by John Neall. 

Loaned by Bro. James S. Benn, Philadelphia. 

31 Silver cream pot. Made in London, 1765. Presented in 

1775 by Dr. John Fothergill to Franklin, after their unavail- 
ing efforts to avert the American Revolution. It is described 
in Franklin's will, which bequeathed it to Henry Hill, his ex- 
ecutor; the latter gave it to his sister, Mrs. Moore, by whom 
it was given to Mrs. R. F. Mott. 
Loaned by Mrs. Francis B. Gummere, the present owner. 

32 Birthplace of Franklin in Boston. Wood cut. 

Loaned by Thomas L. Latta, Esq., Philadelphia. 

33 Number 19, Unity Street, Boston, Mass. Photograph of 

house Franklin purchased for his sister. 

Loaned by Mrs. Warren T. Gould, Boston, Mass. 

34 Franklin Medals. Bronze, 1776-1779. 

Loaned by Bro. Henry Mitchell, Boston, Mass. 

35 Broadside. Advertisement concerning Franklin's bifocal 

spectacles. 

Loaned by Andrew J. Lloyd, Esq., Boston, Mass. 

323 



1706— Gbe ffranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

36 Order in Council. Dated July 26, 1787, with autograph of 

Franklin. 

Loaned by Bro. Benjamin M. Nead, Harrisburg, Pa. 

37 Petition of Paul Troth. Signed by Franklin. 

Loaned by Bro. Benjamin M. Nead, Harrisburg, Pa. 

FRANKLIN IMPRINTS 

38 The Constitutions of the Free-Masons, containing the His- 

tory, Charges, Regulations, &c. of that most Ancient and Eight 
Worshipful Fraternity, For the Use of the Lodges, — London 
Printed; Anno 5723. Reprinted in Philadelphia by special 
Order for the Use of the Brethren in North Araeriea. In the 
Year of Masonry 573-1, Anno Domini 1734, Sq. 8 vo. pp. 94. 
Loaned by the Grand Lodge Library. 

39 M. T. Cicero's Cato Major, or his Discourse of Old Age: with 

Explanatory Notes. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by B. 
Franklin MDCCXLIV. 

Loaned by Mrs. Susan S. Vail, Germantown. 

40 Laws of the Library Company of Philadelphia made in pur- 

suance of their Charter, at a General Meeting, held in the 
Library, on the third day of May, 1742. Printed by B. Frank- 
lin, MDCCXLVI. 

Loaned by the Philadelphia Library Company. 

41 A Unique Imprint. Anno Regni Georgii II. Regis Magnae 

Britannica, Franciae & Hiberniae Vigesimo Tertia, etc. 
Philadelphia, Printed by B. Franklin, at the New-Printing-Office, 
near the Market, 1749. 

Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

42 Arndt's True Christianity. Des Hocherteuchteter Theologi, 

Herrn Johann Arndts, Weiland General-Superintendenton des 
Fiirstenthurns Liineburg, etc. Siimtliehe Sechs geistreiehe 
Biicher vom Wahren Christenthum, etc. Philadelphia gedruekt 
und verlegt bey Benjamin Franklin und Johann B5hn, 1751. 
Loaned by Bro. William H. Bellows, Philadelphia. 

43 A Sermon Preached in Christ Church, Philadelphia, before 

the Provincial Grand Master and General Communication of 
Free and Accepted Masons. On Tuesday the 24th of June, 
1755, etc. Printed and sold by B. Franklin and D. Hall. 

Loaned by the Grand Lodge Library. 



324 



Catalogue 



BOOKS RELATING TO FRANKLIN 

44 Franklin, Dr. Benjamin — The | works | of | the late | Dr. 

Benjamin Franklin | consisting of [ his life | written by hint- 
self | together with | Essays j Humorous, Moral and Liter- 
ary | chiefly in the manner of the Spectator. | New York Printed 
by Tiebout & Obrian N. D. Evidently a reprint of the Lon- 
don edition of 1793. 

Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

45 M. T. Cicero's Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age. Ad- 

dressed to Titus Pomponius Atticus, with explanatory note. 
By Benj. Franklin, LL.D. London, MDCCLXXVUI. 

Loaned by Bro. Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia. 

46 The | Franklin Family | Primer | containing | a new and 

useful selection | of | Moral Lessons; | adorned with a great 
variety of | cuts | calculated | to strike a lasting impression | on 
the | tender minds of children. | By a Friend of Youth. | Eighth 
Edition — Boston 1807 — a rude wood cut portrait of Franklin 
as frontispiece. 

Loaned by Thomas J. Taylor, Esq., Taunton, Mass. 

47 Das Nord Amerika, | historisch und Geographisch | be- 

schrieben | — Zweiter Theil | — Zweite Verberserte Auflage | 
Mit Kupfern | Hamburg | in der Mollerschen Buchhandlung I 
1778. Contains engraved portrait by J. C. G. Fritsch. 
Loaned by Thomas Lynch Montgomery, Esq., the State 
Librarian, Harrisburg. 

48 The Interest of Great Britain considered with regard to her 

colonies, London. Printed MDCCLX. Boston. Reprinted by 
B. Mecom and sold at the New Post Office near the town House 
1760. 

49 An Apology for the True Christian Divinity as the same is 

held forth, and preached by the people called in Scorn Quakers 
— sixth edition in English. Newport, Rhode Island, Printed by 
James Franklin, 1729. 
Loaned by Bro. William P. Kammerer, W. M. Lodge, No. 91, 
Philadelphia. 

50 Sermon — Preached in St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, Wed- 

nesday 27th December 1786 before the Honorable Fraternity of 
Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. By Rev. Joseph 
Pilmore, New York. MDCCXCIII. 

Loaned by the Grand Lodge Library. 
325 



1706— Gbe jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

51 A Brief History of the Rise and Progress of the Charitable 

Scheme * * * For the Belief and Instruction of poor Germans 
and their Descendants Settled in Pennsylvania, etc. Printed 
by B. Franklin and D. Hall, MDCCLV. 

Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

52 A Mite into the Treasury; or Some Serious Bemarks on that 

Solemn and Indispensable Duty of duly attending Assemblies, 
etc. — Philadelphia. Eeprinted by B. Franklin and D. Hall, 
1758. 

Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

53 Laws of the Government of New Castle, Kent and Sussex 

upon Delaware. Published by order of the Assembly Phila- 
delphia. Printed and sold by B. Franklin & D. Hall at the 
New Printing Office in Market Street MDCCLII. 
Loaned by Thomas David Pearce, Esq., Philadelphia. 

NTJMBEKS 54 TO 85 WERE LOANED BY THE AMEBICAN 

PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, 

FOR PROMOTING USEFUL KNOWLEDGE 

54 Broadside. Magna Britannia, her Colonies reduced. 

55 Definitive Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the 

United States. Paris, 1783. 

56 Invitation to the Te Deum, on the occasion of the Treaty 

of Peace. 

57 Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of 

North America, Philadelphia, 1775. 

58 Letter of Marque and Reprisal sent to Franklin. 

59 Instructions to the Captains of Privateers. 

60 Constitution of the United States, with Convention letter 

with Franklin 's autograph, Philadelphia, 1787. 

61 Passy Bagatelle, Supplement to Boston Independent Chron- 

icle. 

62 Engraving of Improvement of Electrical Kite. 

63 Dr. Franklin's Invitation to Fourth of July Dinner. Passy, 

1779. 

64 Blank Forms of Loans used by Dr. Franklin. 

65 Bill of Lading, 1767. 

326 



Catalogue 



66 Blank Form of Draft on M. Grand, Banker, used by Dr. 

Franklin. 

67 Engraving of the Copley medal. 

68 Form of Condemnation for Prizes used by Dr. Franklin. 

69 Broadside — Privateers. 

70 Franklin's Account of Expenses in England, 1757. 

71 Franklin's Receipt book, 1747. 

72 Franklin's Earliest Business Journal-Ledger, A & B, Vol. I. 

73 Masonic Notice of Loge des IX Soeurs, Paris A. L. 5781. 

A. D. 1781 

74 Library Chair from Franklin's House — since used by the 

presiding officer of the American Philosophical Society. 

75 Franklin Fireplace — Original Model of. 

Diplomas Granted to Benjamin Franklin 

76 Harvard University (with the tin case in which it came). 

77 American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1781. 

78 Medical Society of London, 1787. 

79 Academy of Science, Letters and Arts of Padua, 1781. 

80 Societa Patriotica of Milan, 1786. 

81 Bataafch Genootschap, Botterdam, 1775. 

82 Boyal Medical Society of Paris, 1777. 

83 As Burgess and Guild Brother of Edinburgh, Sept. 5, 1759. 

84 University of St. Andrews, 1749. 

85 Photograph of House No. 7, Craven Street, London, where 

Franklin lived during his long stay in England, as it now 
appears, showing Memorial Tablet. 

NUMBERS 86 TO 116 WERE LOANED BY THE HISTORICAL 
SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

86 Almanac — Poor Richard Improv'd — Being an Almanack and 

Ephemeris for the year 1754. Printed and sold by B. Franklin 
and D. Hall. 

87 Almanac — Poor Richard Improved — Being an Almanack for 

the Bissextile year 1748 by Richard Saunders Philom — Printed 
and sold by B. Franklin and D. Hall. 

21 327 



1706— £be jfranfclin Bicentenary— 1906 

88 " Liber B "—Ledger of St. John's Lodge of Philadelphia— 

the oldest American Masonic account book — much of it is in 
handwriting of Franklin. 1731 to 1738. One entry appears 
for 1739. 

89 Franklin's Common-place Book — containing a draft of the 

letter to his Father and Mother, dated April 13, 1738, wherein 
he said : ' ' Freemasons have no principles or practices that are 
inconsistent with religion and good manners. ' ' 

90 Genealogical Chart of the Franklin Family compiled by 

Benjamin Franklin. 

91 Burning Glass used by Franklin. 

92 Letter from a London Merchant, with Notes by Franklin. 

93 Franklin's Observations on Electricity. 

94 Note — requesting Chief Justice McKean to act as pall bearer 

at Franklin 's funeral, April 19, 1790. 

95 Pass issued by Franklin to Philip Petekoff, passing him 

from his home to the new road in Cumberland County, on which 
he was engaged to work. 

96 Bill for Candles from Josiah Franklin. 

97 Hogarth — Note from Mrs. Hogarth asking Franklin to use 

his influence on Members of the House of Commons in favor 
of the Artist 's bill in which he was interested. 

98 Dinner Invitation issued by Franklin to Members of the 

Federal Congress. 

99 Franklin Library, Massachusetts — Catalogue and Book 

Plate of Library founded by Franklin in 1786. 

100 Note of Franklin to Arthur Lee, dated February 13, 1778. 

101 Woodcut — of a Russian scientist attempting to verify 

Franklin's experiments with lightning, resulting in an explo- 
sion and causing his death. 

102 Philadelphische Zeitung — Sonnabend den 24. Jun. 1732. 

Number two of the first German newspaper published in the 
western world. Gedruckt bey B. Francklin in der Marck- 
strasse. 

103 Proposals for Beautifying the University and City of Ox- 

ford. From Franklin's Library. 

104 The Bight Honorable Earl of Shelburn Vindicated. From 

Franklin 's Library. 

328 



Catalogue 



105 Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty, the Principles 

of Government and the Justice and Policy of the War with 
America. Philadelphia, 1776. From Franklin's Library. 

106 Picture — showing three views of subjects relating to Frank- 

lin. 

107 Political Caricature of Franklin, during the French and In- 

dian War. 

Franklin Letters 

108 To Mr. J. Pennington, London, February 27, 1766. 

109 To Messrs. Abel James and Benjamin Morgan, London, 

July 14, 1773. 

110 To Hon. James Lee, Passy, January 3, 1779. 

111 To Messrs. Norris & Leech, London, January 9, 1762. 

112 To D. Hartley, Esq., Passy, March 31, 1782. 

113 To Mr. Rhoads, London, June 26, 1770. 

114 To Saml. Rhoads, London, January 5, 1774. 

115 To T. Childs, Esq., March 30, 1790, written three weeks 

before his death. 

116 To P.. Peters, Esq., New York, September 17, 1754. 

NUMBERS 117 TO 127 WERE LOANED BY THE 
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

117 Franklin Imprint. Proposals | relating to the | Education | 

of | Youth | in | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Printed in the 
year MDCCXLIX. | 8vo., 32 pp. 

118 Letter from Edmund Burke to Franklin, asking him to use 

his offices to induce Congress to withdraw its application for 
the return of General Burgoyne to captivity in America. 

119 Letter from Lafayette to Franklin, September 17, 1782, 

announcing the birth of a daughter and asking Franklin to 
name her. 

120 Letter-press Copy of Franklin's humorous answer suggest- 

ing Miss Virginia. 

121 Passy Imprint. Ode in imitation of Alcseus, printed on the 

Franklin press at Passy, 1783. 

122 Robespierre. Letter from Robespierre to Franklin, first 

October, 1783, forwarding to Franklin a copy of his argument 
before the Council of Artois in favor of permitting the use of 
lightning rods. 

329 



1706— £be ifranfelin Bt^centenar?— 1906 

123 Expense Account of Franklin while Minister in Paris, Jan- 

uary 1, 1783, to January 30, 1784. 

124 Diploma of Franklin as honorary member of the Royal 

Society, Orleans, France, April 5, 1785. 

125 Diploma of George Fox as member of the American Philo- 

sophical Society, signed by Benjamin Franklin, President; 
dated January 20, 1786. 

126 Masonic Notice, announcing Franklin's election as an hon- 

orary member of the Loge Bone Amis, Rouen, France. 

127 Masonic Notice from R.\ L.\ De Saint Jean de Jerusalem, 

1785. 
See also Number 7, supra. 

NUMBERS 128 TO 132 ARE FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE 
GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA 

128 Subscription List. Original subscription list for the erec- 

tion of Freemasons Hall in 1755; the first Masonic Hall in 
America. 

129 Silver Trowel used at the laying of the corner stone of the 

Franklin Statue, New York, October 26, A. D. 1871, A. L. 
5871, by M. W. Bro. John H. Anthon, Grand Master. 

130 Souvenir Plate. From Franklin Bi-Centennary of Frank- 

lin Lodge, No. 134, F. & A. M., held January 31, 1906. 

131 Souvenir Plate. From Franklin Bi-Centennary of Philo 

Lodge, No. 444, F. & A. M., held January 16, 1906. 

132 Souvenir Bust (plaster). From Franklin Bi-Centennary of 

Philo Lodge, No. 444, F. & A. M. 

133 Souvenir Plate. From Franklin Celebration of the Penn- 

sylvania Society of New York, December 12, 1905. 

134 Masonic Aprons. Three Aprons, with portraits of Frank- 

lin — used in Franklin Lodge, No. 134, F. & A. M. 
See also Numbers 1, 38, 43. 

NUMBERS 135 TO 142 ARE FROM INDEPENDENCE HALL, 

LOANED BY JOINT RESOLUTION OF SELECT AND 

COMMON COUNCILS OF PHILADELPHIA 

135 Mahogany Table. Used at the signing of the Declaration 

of Independence, and during the Constitutional Convention in 
1787. 

330 



Catalogue 



136 Mahogany Chair. On top of back is a gilded sunburst, sur- 

mounted by a liberty cap and pole. This chair was used by 
the Speakers of the House, from 1736 to 1775, thence to 1783 
by the Presidents of the Continental Congress, and by Wash- 
ington during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. 

137 Silver Ink-stand and Sand-box. Made by Bro. Philip Syng, 

E. W. Grand Master in 1741, for the Provincial Assembly, and 
used continuously until early in the XIX Century. 

138 Air Pump used by Franklin. 

139 Lightning Bod. A section from one put up during Frank- 

lin's lifetime. 

140 Letter from Franklin to Hugh Boberts, wherein he men- 

tions the Junto. London, February 27, 1766. 

141 Letter of Franklin to William Hallee. London, April 8, 

1759. 

142 Insulating Stool used by Franklin in his electrical experi- 

ments. 
See also Numbers 4, 9, 14, 28a, 29, supra. 



NTTMBEBS 143 TO 147 WEBE LOANED BY JOSEPH Y. 
JEANES, ESQ., OF PHILADELPHIA 

143 Letter of Franklin. Dated Passy, December 10, 1779. 

144 Portraits. Oval medallions of Franklin and Washington on 

china, in frame. 

145 Plates. One of blue, the other of green design. 
Pitcher and Basin. Franklin and kite design, brown orna- 
mentation. 

146 Pitcher. Memorial design. 

147 China Mug. With Franklin maxims. 

Bronze Houdon bust. See Number 28, supra. 

NUMBEBS 148 TO 152 WEBE LOANED BY THE LIBBABY 
COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA 

148 Laws of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Made in 

Pursuance of their Charter, at a General Meeting, held in the 
Library, on the Third day of May, 1742. Printed by B. 
Franklin, MDCCXLVI. 

331 



1706— Gbe ffrankltn Bicentenary— 1906 



149 Engraving. By Birch, showing the Philadelphia Library 

in the year 1800. Fifth Street, below Chestnut, corner of 
Library Street. 

150 Locke. A collection of several pieces by John Locke. Lon- 

don. Printed by J. Bettenham for B. Francklin at the Sun 
in Fleet Street, MDCCXX. Endorsed upon the title "given 
by 1732, B. Franklin." 

151 Electrical Machine used by Franklin. 

152 Frame of Coins and Medals taken from the Corner Stone 

of the old Library building on Fifth Street, built 1789 — demol- 
ished 1888. These relics consist of a large Franklin plaque, 
British half penny, 1773, Connecticut cent, 1788, New Jersey 
cent, 1787, Nova Constellatio cent (1785 the first U. S. coin), 
Massachusetts cent, 1788, bronze medal of Washington, medal 
commemoratory of the Peace of 1783. 

NUMBERS 153 TO 168 WERE LOANED BY A. WINTHROP 
POPE, ESQ., BOSTON, MASS. 

153 Unpublished Sermon by Rev. Benoni Rowe, August 15, 

1755. In the handwriting of Benj. Franklin, an uncle of the 
great American philosopher. 

154 Franklin. Life by himself, printed 1796, for Cushing and 

Carleton, of the Bible and Heart, Salem, Mass. 

155 Bibliographies of Special Subjects, Nos. 1-1883. 

156 Printing, List of Books on the History and Art of — a Bulle- 

tin of the Boston Library, also giving a list of Franklin Por- 
traits, Medals, etc. 

157 Franklin, Benjamin, Career of. Samuel A. Green, 1893, 

with an account of the Franklin Fund. 

158 Pamphlet. Concerning the 200th anniversary birth of B. 

Franklin, at Franklin, Mass., 1906. 

159 Granary Burial Grounds, Boston, Historical Sketch of. 

160 Will of B. Franklin and Proceeds of Managers and Courts 

relating thereto. 

161 Inaugural Address. Mayor Samuel A. Green, 1882. 

162 Printing, Development as an Art, 1906. 

163 Order of Exercises at 200th Anniversary of the Birth of 

B. Franklin. Boston, 1906. 

164 Extracts from Autobiography of B. Franklin and other 

writings, 1906. 

332 



Catalogue 



165 City Documents, seven in number, all concerning Frank- 

lin. Boston, Mass. 

166 Franklin Medal (silver). Presented by School Committtee 

to Benjamin Pope, Esq., in 1842. Obverse by Wright & Bale, 
New York. Reverse by Stimpson, of Boston. 

167 Franklin Copper Cent, 1787. With sun dial upon reverse. 

168 Franklin Postage Stamp. A wax impression from the orig- 

inal matrix of U. S. one cent postage envelope die, used in 1878 
and later. 

NUMBERS 169 TO 177 WERE LOANED BY MRS. EDWARD 
P. DAVIS, PHILADELPHIA 

169 Hall Clock. Made by Whitehurst, Derby, England. Sent 

by Franklin to his wife from England. 

170 Cupboard or Press. Used by Franklin, with shelves and 

doors upon double hinges. 

171 Shoe Buckles. Sent by Franklin to his daughter as a wed- 

ding present. 

172 Silver Tea Caddy. Used by Franklin's daughter when 

making tea for her father. 

173 Chess Table. Used by Franklin during the latter years of 

his life. 

174 Silver Snuffers and Tray used with the chess table. 

175 Silver Porridge Spoon. Fac-simile of one given him by his 

wife, Deborah; one of a dozen he had made in England after 
the original. 

176 Piece of Hammock, used by Franklin on his ocean voy- 

ages. 

177 China Pitcher, Fruit Dish, three Chinese Plates, French Tea 

Cup and Saucer used by Franklin. 
See also Numbers 10, 11, supra. 

NUMBERS 178 TO 181 WERE LOANED BY MR. ALBERT 
ROSENTHAL, PHILADELPHIA 

178 Lithograph. Large portrait of Franklin. 

179 Declaration of Independence. An old fac-simile copy of 

the Original Document. 

180 Steel Engraving. Franklin at Court of France, 1778. 

Original, painted by Baron Jolly, Brussels. Engraved by 
William O. Geller, London. 

333 



1706— Ebe jfranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

181 Steel Engraving. Franklin at the Court of St. James, 1774. 

After a modern painting by Schuessele. Engraved by White- 
church. 
See also Numbers 12, 13, 22, 23, supra. 

182 Bookplate of Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. 

183 Franklin Institute. Souvenir Medal of Electrical Exhibi- 

tion, Philadelphia, 1885. 

Loaned by Bro. Edward N. Weyant, Philadelphia. 

184 Gold Trowel, with Ivory Handle. Said to have been used 

by Franklin in his Lodge. It was found in the safe of the 
United States Bank at Washington, and eventually came into 
the possession of Franklin Lodge, No. 447, of New York City. 
Loaned by the Committee on Antiquities of the Grand 
Lodge of New York. 

185 Tableau de R.\ L.\ De Saint Jean de Jerusalem, 1785. 
Loaned by Franklin Lodge, No. 134, F. & A. M., Phila- 
delphia. 

186 China. Blue tea pot, cream pitcher and plate, also cup, 

saucer and mug, with quotations from ' ' Poor Richard. ' ' 

Loaned by Miss Grace Bodey, Orwigsburg, Pa. 

187 Engraving and Autograph of Franklin. 

Loaned by Dr. John A. McKenna, Philadelphia. 

188 to 223 Provincial Flags. Thirty-five flags, representing, 

among others, the flags designed by Franklin for the Asso- 
ciators. 

Loaned by William J. Heller, Esq., Easton, Pa. 

224 Franklin's Office Desk. 

Loaned by Dr. Roland G. Curtin, Philadelphia. 

225 Wisdom's Dictates or Aphorisms and Rules — Physical, 

Moral and Divine. London, printed for John Salusbury at the 
Rising Sun in Cornhil, 1G96. 

Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

226 Provincial Notes. Printed by Franklin & Hall. 

Loaned by Bro. John Wanamaker, Philadelphia. 

227 Medals. Two frames of Franklin Medals, one containing 

eleven bronze medals. 

Loaned by B. Franklin Pepper, Esq., Philadelphia. 

228 Medals. A collection of thirty-two Franklin Medals. 
Loaned by Messrs. S. H. and H. Chapman, Philadelphia. 

229 Pitchers. Two large " Franklin " Pitchers. 

Loaned by Messrs. S. H. and H. Chapman, Philadelphia. 
334 



3 o 




Catalogue 



230 French Mantel Clock. With figure of Franklin on chair 

beside hooks and electrical apparatus. 

Loaned by Bro. Frederick H. Starling, Philadelphia. 

231 Chessmen. A miniature set of red and white chessmen 

used by Franklin, the whole set going into a small silver egg- 
shaped box. Given by Franklin to Miss Eliza Hewson (Mrs. 
David Caldwell), and left by will to Mr. C. S. Bradford, of 
Philadelphia. 

232 Freeeman's Register and Volunteers Chronicle. A paper 

issued in 1838 at the centennial celebration of the institution 
of the first fire company in Philadelphia. 

Loaned by Mr. William McDevitt, Philadelphia. 

ENGRAVINGS NUMBERS 233 TO 241 WERE LOANED BY 
MESSRS. J. E. BARR & CO., PHILADELPHIA 

233 B. Franklin of Philadelphia, LL.D., F.R.S. Three-quarters 

length. Seated. By E. Fisher, after M. Chamberlin. Mezzo- 
tint. 

234 Franklin Discovering Electricity. From the original pic- 

ture by Benjamin West, P.R.A. Photogravure in colors. 

235 Bowles's Moral Pictures, or Poor Richard Illustrated, being 

lessons for the Young and the Old, on Industry, Temperance, 
Frugality, etc. By the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin. 24 oval 
medallions, including profile portrait. 

236 Benjamin Franklin. Bust in an oval in a rectangle. C. 

Westermayr. 

237 Benjamin Franklin. Bust. Profile to left in a circular 

medallion, below a portrait of John Howard, Esq. By C. Ber- 
ger, 1792. 

238 Benjamin Franklin, ne a Boston en 1706 mort le 17 Avril 

1790. Bust in an oval in a rectangle. Maria Miou Sculp. 

239 Benj. Franklin nach einen Bas-relief. Profile bust to right 

in a circular medallion. C. Westermayer, 1794. 

240 Beniamino Francklin. Full length. Seated. G. B. Bosio 

dis. G. A. Sasso inc. 

241 Buste de M. T. Condon, Grave par Chevellet Galerie des 

Hommes illustres Vivans. 
See also Numbers 19-24, supra. 



33) 



1706— £be jfranhlin Bicentenary— 1906 

242-487 Engraved Portraits. Two hundred and forty-six en- 
graved portraits were placed upon exhibition in addition to 
those already enumerated. One hundred and sixteen of these 
were loaned by George R. Barret, Esq., Boston, Mass., and 
one hundred and thirty were contributed by Messrs. J. O. 
Wright & Co., of East Forty-second Street, New York. . 

Among these engravings the more important were as follows: 

His Excellency B. Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S. President of Penn- 
sylvania, etc. Mezzotinto. 

C. W. Peale pinxt et fecit, 1787. 
D. Benjamin Franklin, et vita inter Americanos acta, et magnis 
electricitatis clarus. Mezzotinto. 
I. E. Haid sculp. A. V. 1778. 

The same. Mezzotinto. 

I. Elias Haid sculp. 1780. 
Francklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to right. Aquatint 
printed in colors. 

Vanloo Pinxt. P. M. Alix, Sculpt. 

The Politician. Half-length, nearly in profile, seated at a table 
reading a newspaper. Line. 

Painted by S. Elmer A. Engraved by T. Ryder. 

The same. Before the artist's name, and variety in title: " Dr. 

Benjamin Franklin ' ' in open letter. 
B. Franklin, Philadelphia, LL.D., F.R.S. Three-quarter length. 

Mezzotinto. 

Dessine et Grave par F. N. Martinet. 

Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. Envoy from the American Congress 

to the French Court. Stipple. 
Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. Full length. Line. 

M. Chamberlin pinxt. G. M. Brighty del. J. Romney sculp. 
Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. Full bust. Oval. Underneath a 
representation of Franklin flying a kite in an electric storm. 
J. Chapman sculp. 
Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. & F.R.S. Oval. Underneath the 
motto, ' ' Ubi Libertas, ibi patria. ' ' 

Engraved from an Original Picture by Jno. Lodge. Printed 
London 2Ht April 1777. 
Benjamin Franklin, with fur cap and spectacles. Stipple. 

L. A. Claessens sculp. 
D. Beniamin Fraencklin, Grand Comissaire plenipotentiarie du 
Congres d'Amerique en France. Mezzotinto. 

Desine par C. N. Cochin Chev. de Pordre du Roi a Paris 1777. 
336 



Catalogue 



A. Benjamin Franklin Docteur de Medicine. Line. 
P. Marin del Sculp. 

Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S. One of the American Pleni- 
potentiaries of the Court of Prance. Line. 

Pollard sculp. Engraved for "Murray's History of the Ameri- 
can War." 

Benjamin Franklin. Prasident des Congresses zu Philadelphia. 

Stipple. 

C. P. Sprinck. sc. Dresden 1796. 

Dr. Franklin. Full bust, head to right with fur cap and spec- 
tacles. Line. 

G. M. Brightly d. J. Brown s. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, with fur cap and spectacles. 
Line. 

Dessine par C. N. Cochin Chevalier de l'Ordre de Eoi, en 1777. 
et Grave par Aug. de St. Aubin Graveur de la Bibliotheque du Roi. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, with fur cap and spectacles. 

Line. 

Printed for T. Hinton, at the Kings Arms, in Paternoster Row. 
Engraved for the Universal Magazine. 

Franklin, with fur cap and spectacles. Outline. 
Scoles. sculp. 

Benjamin Franklin, with fur cap and spectacles, and long coat 

with fur cuffs. Mezzotinto. 

Dessine par C. N. Cochin chevalier de 1 'Ordre du Roi, en 1777. 
Job. Martin Will excudit Aug. Vind. 

Benjamin Franklin. Three-quarter length, head to right, with 
fur cap and spectacles. Mezzotinto. 

Dessine par C. N. Cochin Chevalier de l'Ordre du Roi, en 1777. 
Joh. Martin Will, excudit Aug. Vind. 

Benja. Franklin. Bust, head to right, with fur cap and spec- 
tacles. Vignette. Stipple. 

Cochin Pt. 1777. Eng. by H. Wright Smith. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, head to left, with cap. Line. 
Desrayes del. le Beau scul. 

Benjn Franklin. Full bust, head and body in profile to left, with 
fur cap. Oval. Line. 
W. Grainger Sculpt. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, with fur cap. Oval. Line. 

Heath sculpt. From a Medallion in the possession of Dr. Lett- 
som. 

337 



1706— Zbe Jfranfelin Bicentenary— 1906 



Franklin. Full face, with fur cap and collar. Line. 
Grave par Gve Levy. 

Franklin. Full bust. Stipple. 

H. W. Smith. From the Painting in the Gallery of Versailles. 

Benjamin Franklin. Half-length. Stipple. 

Painted by Martin. Engraved by Longacre. 

Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S. Three-quarter length, seated 
with arms resting on a table, reading; the chin resting on the thumb 
of the right hand, ileszotinto. 

D. Martin pinxt. E. Savage sculpt. 

The same. Boston, Published and Sold by Abel Bowen Engraver, 
No. 2 Congress Square. Mr. Kenzie, Printer. 

The same. No authority. 

Benjamin Franklin. Half-length. Stipple. 

Engraved by T. B. Welch from the Portrait by Martin in pos- 
session of the American Philosophical Society. 

Benj. Franklin, LL.D. Full bust, head to left. Line. 

W. Angus Sculp. From a Painting in the Possession of F. 
Schwediauer, M.D. in Newman Street. 

Benjamin Franklin. Head three-quarters to left, with fur collar. 
Oval in a rectangle. Line. 

Duplessis Pinxit Parisiis 1778. Chevillet Sculpsit. Tire du Cab- 
inet de M. le Bay de Chaumont. 

Benjamin Franklin, Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats TJnis de 
l'Amerique pres S. M. le Eoi de f ranee. Line. 
Fr. Janet, sc. 

A. Benjamin Franklin Docteur en Medecine. Line. 
P. Maren del. Le Beau Sculp. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left, with 
fur collar. Line. 

T. Pelieier Sculp. 1782. 

Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left. Oval in a rec- 
tangle. Line. 

Duplessis Pinxt. Alexre. Tardieu Sculpt. 

Benjamin Franklin, compagnon Imprimeur, Ministre Plenipo- 
tentiaire des 14 Etats-Unis de l'Amerique Septentrionale. Oval in 
a rectangle, encircled with oak leaves. On the edge of the base 
the following inscription: "1 'Amour de la Patrie et de la Liberte. ' 
"Eripuit Coelo Fulmen Sceptrumque Tyrannis. " Line. 

338 



n " 



Catalogue 



The same. Proof, with only the word " Francklin " in open let- 
ter on tablet. 
Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left, with 
fur collar. Vignette. Stipple. 

Duplessis gem. Stahlstich von Carl Mayer. 
Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left, with fur collar. 
Vignette. Line. 

Duplessis J. Andrews. From the original Picture by Duplessis 
in the possession of Mrs. Barnett of Paris. 
Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left. Bine. 

Nordheim sculp. Zu Meyer's Monatsheften. 
Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left, with fur collar. 
Stipple. 

Disegnato ed inciso da Mle. Pekenino in America, 1822 Sopra 
la Miniatura di Janinet. 
Bena. Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to left, with fur 
collar. Stipple. 

Painted by Duplissis. Engd. by B. E. Babson & J. Andrews. 
Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, nearly full face, with fur collar. 
Oval. Aquatint. 

F. Janinet sculp. 1789. Avec Privil, du Hoi A Paris cliez Jan- 
inet, rue Haute Feuille, No. 5. 
Benja. Franklin. Full bust, head to right, with fur collar. Mez- 
zotinto. 
J. D. Gross Sc. 

Beniaminus Franklin. Full bust, head three-quarters to right. 
Line. 

Michael Bisi del. et scul. 1818 per Dalla Libera. 

Franklin. Full bust, head to right, with fur collar. Stipple. 

Engraved by J. Thomson. From an original Picture by J. A. 
Duplessis in the possession of Mr. Barnet, Consul General for the 
United States of America at Paris. 

Benjamin Franklin. Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis. 
Line. 

Print par Madame Filleul. Grave par Cathelin, Graveur du Roi. 

Frankelin. Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats-TJnis de l'Amer- 
ique Septentrionale. Line. 

Dessine par Bounieu d'apres le Buste de M. T. Coudon. Grave 
par Chevillet. ' ' Galerie des hommes illustres vivans. ' ' 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, with fur collar. Oval in a rec- 
tangle, resting on a base. Line. 

Goldar sculpt. Published Sepr. 23d 1785, by J. Fielding, Pater 
Noster Row. 

339 



1706— £be jfranklin Bicentenary— 1906 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, nearly full face. Oval. Aqua- 

tint. 

E. Gosselin, pt. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, nearly full face, with fur collar. 
Oval. Stipple. 

F. Bonneville Deli. Gautier Sculp. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full bust, with fur collar. Vignette. 
Stipple. 

Engd. by Geo. E. Perine. N. Y. India proof. 

Bronze Statue of Benjamin Franklin. Inaugurated September 
17, 1856, in Boston. 

Drawn by H. Billings. Engd. by Smith Knight & Tappan. 

Benja. Franklin. Full bust, the background a representation of 
an electric storm. Stipple. 

Benjamin Franklin. Full length, seated in an armchair. 

Painted by T. H. Matteson, Eq. Engraved by Harry L. Ladd. 
Printed by J. Dalton. 

Benjamin Franklin gebohren 1706. Oval medallion, suspended 
by a ring tied with a ribbon. Line. 
D. Berger. Sculp 1783. 

Benjamin Franklin. Born Jany. 17th 1706. Died April 17th 
1790. Vignette. Stipple. 
Edwin sc. 

Benj. Franklin, LL.D., F.B.S. Bust and head in profile to right. 
Oval. Line. 

From the ' ' Literary Magazine. ' ' 

Benjamin Franklin. Head and bust in profile to left. Vignette. 
Etching. 

Etched by Thomas Landseer. Transferred from copper to stone 
by C. Hullmandel. 

B. Franklin, LL.D., F.B.S. Ambassador from the Congress of 
America to the Court of France. Line. 
J. Norman Sc. 

B. Franklin, LL.D., F.B.S. Bust and head in profile to right. 

Line. 

Benj. Franklin. Bust and head in profile. Circular medallion. 

Stipple. 

C. Westirmayr fecit 1794, nach einem Basrelief. 

340 



Catalogue 



B. Franklin, LL.D., F.B.S. Bust and head in profile to left. 
Oval. Line. 

Eripuit Coelo Fulmen; Sceptrumque Tyrannis. No. V] Massa- 
chusetts Magazine [Vol. II. 

B. J; Franklin. Est Mort. Bust and head in profile. Circular 

medallion. Stipple. 

Dediee an Caffe Piscope. 

Le Docteur Francklin Couronne par la Liberte. Aquatint. 

Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. Full bust. Vignette. Stipple. 
Engraved by E. Page. 

B. Franklin. Full bust, in a border resembling a frame. 
Seoles sculp. 

Benja. Franklin. Full length, seated. Line. 

Painted by Alonzo Chappel. Engd. by T. Phillibrown. 

Doctor Benjamin Franklin. Full bust. Oval. Stipple. 

Engraved by Wm. Evans from an original picture (the last 
painted) in the possession of Dr. Jas. Hamilton. 

Benjamin Franklin, Esqre. Half-length, head to left. Mezzo- 
tinto. 

Thos. Gainsborough, R. A. G. Sanders. From the original Pic- 
ture in the possession of the Marquis of Lansdowne. 



341 



A MODEST 

ENQUIRY 

INTO THE 

Nature and Necejftty 

OF A 

PAPER-CURRENCT. 




VORSPIEL 

NEUENWELT 

Welches fich in derletzten Abendroethe 

als ein paradififcher Lichtes-glantz 

unter den Kindern Gottes 

hcrvor gethan. 

IN 

LIEBES, LOBES, LEIDENS, KRAFFT 

und Erfobrungs liedern abgebildet, die 

gedr&kte, gebiickte und Crentz- 

tragende Kircbe auf Erden. 

Und wie imwifchen fieri 
Die obcre und Triumphirende Kirche 
als einc Paradiefifche vorkoft hcr- 
vor thut und offenbahret. 

1/nA imtbtti, till 

Ernflliche und zurufTcnde wachterMimmcD 

analle anrtoch icrftreucte Kinder Gottes, das fie 

fich tammlen und bercit maohen auf den 

baldigen ; J« bald herein brechen- 

' den Hochieit-Tag derbraut 

des Lararcs. 

Zu ^Philadelphia : Gedruckt bey Benjamin 
Franklin, in dcr Marct-Jira/s. 173*. 


■ Quid a/per 
Vtilt Nummu! battel ; fatrU, ebarifq-j propinqais 
Quantum tlarriri dtceat. " 
"" Perf. 
2?y ^B. Tray.**!*. 


'PHILADELPHIA! 
Printed and Sold at the New PRINTING- 
OFFICE, near the Market. >7W 








SOME 

B S E RVAT IONS 

ON THE 

PROCEEDINGS 

AGAINST 

The Rev. Mr. Hemphill; 

WITH A 

Vindication of bis Sermons. 




Poor Richard, 1735. 




A N 

Almanack 

ForthcYearofChrift 

l 7 3 3> 

Being the Firft after LEAP YEAR: 

And meltei fincf thr Creatim Year) 
By the Account of the Eaftern Gretks 7241 
By the, Latin Church, when G cm. Y* <Sqj2 
By the Con putation of fV.W 574* 
8y the Rormn Chronology jrS82 
By the Jcwljb Rabbles 5404 

Wherein is contained * 
The Lunations, Eclipfes. Judgment of 
the Weather, Spring Tides, Planets Motions £jc 
mutual Afpcfls Sun and Moon's Riling and Set- 
ting, Length of Days, Time of High Water, 
Fairs, Courts, and obfervable Diy* 
Fitted,tothc Larirudeof Forty Degrees, 

apd a Meridian of Five Hours Weft from London, 
bur may without fenfiblc Error, feivc al» the ad ■ 
jacent Places, even from Newfoundland ro Soutb- 
Carot'm*. 


The Second EDITION. 


<P Hi LA DELPHI A: 
Printed and Sold by B. Franehk. t73S- 


By RICHARD SAUNDERS, Philom. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed and fold hy B. FK.JNKLIN, at the New 

Priming Office near the Market. 




'1 be Third J mprdnon. 



342 



Title Pages of Franklin 1 Imprints. 



ANNO REG N I. 

G EO RG II II. 

REGIS, 

Magna Britannia;. Francix & Hibernii, 

V IG E S I M T B RT 10. 

At a General Assembly of the Province of 
PENNSTLVANIA, begun and holdeo, 
at Pbiladtlpbia, the Fourteenth Day of Ot- 
tuber. Anno Dom. 17481 in the Twedty- 
fecond Year of the Reign of our Sovereign 
Lord GEORGE II. by the Grace of 
God, of Great-Britain, Fraittind Ireland, 
King, Defender of the Faith, &c. 

And from thence continued by Adjournment) 
to the Seventh Day of Auguft, 1749. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed by B. Frankliw, at the New-Prin;- 
ing-Office, near the Market, 1749' 



THE 

General Magazine, 

And 

Hiftorical Chronicle* 

For all the Brilijb Plantations to Amcrita. 
(To be Continued. Monihly ) 



JANUARY, J 7 ♦ »• 




VOL ! 



rHllADELtUU; 
PrLitrfud Sold by B.F&ANKLIN. 



SERMONS 

O N 

Various Subjects. 

In Two Volumes. 

VOL. I. 
CONTAINING. 

T. On REGENERATION. 

II. Of Jurtification by Christ. 
HI. On Early Piety. 

IV. The Almost Christian, 

V. The Extent and Reafonablenefs of Sblt- 

Denial. 

VI. The Neceftityvid Benefits of Relicious 

Society. 

VII. IntercefTron every Christian's Duty. 

VIII. The great Duty of Family Relicion. 

IX. The Heinous Sir. of profane Cursing 

and Swearing. 

X. Thankfulnefs for Mercies received, a neceniry 

Duty. 

XI. The Eternity of Hell-Torments- 

XII. Directions how to hear Sermons. 

By GEORGE WHIXEFIELD, A. B. 

Of Pembroke College, Oxford. 

Philadelphia : 

Printed and Sold by E Franklin, in 
liar kit -Jirtttf 1 740, 



C A T 0's 

MORAL 

DISTICHS 

Englijbed in Couplets. 



THILADELVHU: 
VttotaJ indSoMbyRFRANKLIN, 173* 



22 



Title Pages op Franklin Imprints. 



343 



A N 

ESSAY 

On the WEST-INDIA 

D R T-G R I P E S; 

WITH THE 

Method of Preventing and Curing 

THAT 

CRUEL DISTEMPER. 

To which is added, 
An Extraordinary CA S E in Phyfick. 


■■ 


CONSTITUTIONS 

OP THE 

PUBLICK ACADEMY, 

IN THE 

CITY of PHIL4DELP H 1 4. 

A 5 r-aruiit no men i-BWHi»II, crmr.tuB it, ilw C*h.i-™ .» |,» nmlv , c( , 
£1 Ownrri. the W^Joit.. Ruhn uj 5nt-ph, V«xw ,(*, P*r, ih, Willw, uyj K.B. 
XI j.'.!,^ .Pc^l., iK»n , rv^, te^air-j, c* V 01,1b. b, lam*, a*,. M.nrm. ™- 
h..nj Ihnr iwioit M«k •■)■ Pr.ni.ji, gf HeOuuai irtt MseJ', ULlrurtmB ihcen 
a (be 4od .oJ l,..i[ Lvigwto, r-iiiilirl, thru Men>*r-Toe.p»t. ind »il „i^j fi^Khn 
t>( l.btt ,1 Am ihl Stance Fm mi.™. tbti jrey 1( j unncuci AJtuiu«. io (jj „ ,tn 
ptimi ilw of out Infcol -Country -,ll «W ud i,,i., . Feu«UMoti lu PiJUsi.e, ■, enjrt . 

fa> un.)iinj ibc t*il .ndC'-.l Unjuifn, iht EifljATwjw [ruiuninllT. tnd u ■ Wcuire 
.he null uXK.1 !,.,,.[ hnp U Mn , /=.... i, t*m-. ma Spu,/t Ai Miner* of £n& 
Ua iwu-.ll, <v™.,m b-.,n> tb. Upmn, «.V>, Cnfr*^-. t>»lr,. j-.,, „.. J^,. 
nrf, W-.:.. ,tV„l*„..(, .Se fc.t-J Jmho ^J« M, i,., ,.., >.;,.„, ,„| **.(„, 

i*;i ! W: 6 " e " t 'Ir^c- »* ™> «*• ■*•« ^ «»•* 1— 1 .« K~»« r . 

0»U k fa vp. ™™«J .rd hit Cwutmuxr -../un i)*r Or, gl ft, __,.,*, ., „ t , E, 
Mle-in| T.e*..-W P..*w., 7. k... >-,, £,,,., T,*.., £„,„,, MAu ^.w 

7^. /»(/„, T.rfF...*,,. W, ;;,.,. A'.*—. Lwz„r^,, i, —,( Af < .;/. ,„„„, 7,«*Tw.' 

»-.a«. «™.,,W. %.^tt.,„, ^,^,T.tC. ?»,.«,£„, taill «.,. 
i.. ffcV-.V. jy-«-*-. nwuJVte, «J mtaOtM. cJ itvt(WAAM 
,4-.. IWI b. Tihti.i » v,.-. .-j aw, ^Lm.^ i>..i,god «,* p «m 't^m.l»- 
■ r* 0,(1) ml fj »n, Vom b| ihim a tr.A«i potLimcJ . un .. iMtm »^i Kl«uJ 
i- Carxfafiliuio, >Ui Nurnbu Dull tJnp t* iuumJ, tu a-f tt.aUi .p.u in) 

W>ti •■■, Trolln it u 'i it™, ha Hit-uofln bi fr..<n irti C 1 el It ■ jj. -ft... rrUi bt- 

TOKl ■■-. u. ()« iht i<nuir,.r.| TiuflHI 1-11 •ilh til ■-. i-f .-.i Speed, ,■..-.■ 1. t„.l 

T.i Trunin (n.11 run jiotrJ Coenmioh Wl j, rrm M "-.l .'J -.. en 1,.. ..1 Or- 
oCpe.iv rran ■■ atit Turin „n f.u.. r, .1 lame usiitiura Plm *">w U.Ciri/ X. j* - 

1.K Ud PIU -J llxif jmr.l llll ||»|M 

Nolano null hi Tii.MVd t| ij« Trulkn. or «n*. (V* AalhDxrv. ,1m. wldi 1*. 
(.fiK b» .t*J In • M^a.i, o( lb,,, ulnii Mirfnbn, if u > pmnl Qnnnuii , JilJn. 
if"- 1 M.timt, riiLu Mfi.11. «;-■. t<rlu>l N<uc ijuit enti Teutci. ■< tun «■« 

Tn 


PHILADELPHIA. 

Printed and fold by B. F R A N K L I N. 
M.DCC.XLV. 


M.T.CICERO's 

CATO MAJOR, 

OR HIS 

DISCOU RSE 

OLD-AGE: 

Wuh Explanatory NOTES. 


SOME 

ACCOUNT 

OF THE 

Pennfylvania Hofpital; 

From its firft Rise, to the Beginning 

of the Fifth Month, called May, 175*. 


V 




PHILADELPHIA , 

Primed «nd Sold by B.FRANKLIN, 

MDCCXL1V. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
fiutcd by U FRANKLIN, »nd D. HALL. Moccun 



344 



Title Pages of Franklin Imprints. 



THE JMERLCAtf 

Country Almanack, 

FOR 

The Year of Chnftian Account, 
I7 5 0- 

AND 

From the Creadon, by -Scripture, 5759 

Bang Che Second after Bifloaile, or 

Leop-Yar. 

Whtnia h (MfOfWt 

The. Lunations, Ectopics, Judgment of the 
vt/e»lher, (io ihii olcenuo Climate) floacu Placet ir 
UM Ecltptlck. and mental Afptfli. Son ltd Moon't 
rufce tod feniog,- 9eveo Sun rffioa and uuiog. Talc 
IWv Fain, Coaru, and obtcrvable 0»>i. 

Calculated from CaroEse Tables, according 

to Ah, and fitted for (be Province pf Pttntfyhama, fcu 
may tviifcow feafibU Error icrre «U uo Province 

adjacent. 



By Thomas Mori, Pbiledtfpot. 



tyuit 1 ow fan Bvi ft inrnccnt and ft it, 
OrfclUw Nature* $ l*jvjj,/i tkjw aJ U, 
fit, far fion CWaJmt finnlj Awlf 
Toadeftie Caifitfy.izjaBl ttc&UCtlL 



t B ILA D B LP H IJtr 
Printer) mi Sold bf Bfuiun. tot O. Hill, 1 

Ik U ojr-Prtnting-O 6c* rw ctt Mar to. 



SERMON 



O N T H E 



Important Doctrine 



OF 



REGENERATION. 

Preached at Grace Cburch-Strett, the Sixlb of 
the tftW Month, 1688. 



By Wiilia-m Dews bury. 

Tukenfrem hit Mouth in Short-hand, 

William DewftWy.tt/oi out of tht firfl P orberi 
atrtmg thofr. <attal Quakers i a very tua'.-u- 
Teaehrr atti an tmitttnt L ■ vwiV-re .the Center* 

PHILADELPHIA:. 

Reprinted and Sold by B. Frank J. IN, 

on Market-Strut. M.DCC.X.E. 



THE 

PSALMS 

O F 

D A V I D, 

Imitated in the Language of the 

NEW TESTAMENT, 

And apply'd to rhc 
Chriftian State and WorfWp. 



By /. rV A TT S. 



The SEVENTH EDITION. 



Luke xxiv. 44. Allthulgs muflbeftiljilltSlilhitb 
Viere written in—the Pfalms c*ntemm$ me. 

Hcbt. xi.Ji.— David, Samuel, 6? the Prophets 
Vcr. 40. — <fbat thej without uijbonldnotbc 
mate perfelt. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

Prittirll; BF. WH.M./irThornasGod- 
frey, and Sttd at lit Step, I J!;. 



P RATERS, 



For the Use of the 



Philadelphia Academy. 




PHILADELPHIA: 

PrintedbyB. Franklin, and D. Hah,. 
MDCCLIII. 



Title Pages of Fbanklin Imprints. 



345 



INDEX 



Academy of Natural Science, 176 

Act of Legislature of Pennsylvania 
making appropriation for cele- 
bration of Franklin Bicente- 
nary, 11 

Allen, William, P. G. M., 45; ap- 
points Franklin Junior Grand 
Warden, 68; purchases ground 
for State House, 76, 77 ; in- 
augurates State House, 79-80; 
Grand Master, 81, 130, 205 

American Philosophical Society, 
appropriation to, 11; celebra- 
tion of, 13; invites Grand 
Master Kendrick to hold Me- 
morial Service at Franklin's 
tomb, 13; formed, 34, 65, 175, 
186; French Masonic notices in 
collection of, 154 

American Weekly Mercury, 102, 
106, 114, 119, 129 

Anderson's "Constitutions," men- 
tioned, 14; reprinted by Frank- 
lin, ib. ; advertised, 82; reasons 
for reprinting, 83; title page, 
85; sent to Boston, 86; fac- 
simile reprint of Franklin's edi- 
tion of 1734, 225-319 

Anthem — "The Earth is the 
Lord's," 30; "Our Land, O! 
Lord," 41^2; "Hail! Mysteri- 
ous, Glorious Science," 48, 169 

Anti-Mason, the first, William 
Bradford, 102; Christopher 
Sauer, 126 

Bell letter, 213 

Bi-Centenary celebration of Frank- 
lin 's birth, 13, 14-171 

Bond, Bev. Charles H., prayer by, 
at closing of the Grand Lodge, 
170-1 



Bond, Dr. Thomas, P. D. G. M., 
128; Deputy Grand Master, 131, 
138 

Boucle, Thomas, P. D. G. M., brick 
mason of State House, 77; 
Deputy Grand Master, 79, 128; 
Grand Warden, 125 

Boyd, Peter, Memorial address by, 
183 

Bradford, William, attacks Frank- 
lin, 102, 106-110; replies to 
Franklin, 114-117; vindictive- 
ness of, 119 ; the first Anti- 
Mason, 102 

Brown, James W., P. G. M. vale- 
dictory, 9 ; address of, at Me- 
morial Service, 179-183 

By-Laws of St. John's Lodge, 
Philadelphia, 68-71 

Byles, Daniel, Grand Secretary, 
131 

Cadwalader, Dr. Thomas, Grand 
Warden, 125 

Carson, Hampton L., oration by, 13 

Catalogue of Loan Exhibition of 
Frankliniana, 321 

Celebration of Bi-centenary of 
Franklin 's Birth by the Ameri- 
can Philosophical Society, 31 ; in 
the Grand Lodge, 14-171 

Charity School, founded, 126 

Commandeurs Du Temple, facsimile 
of Tableau Des Ofiiciers, 157 

Commonplace Book, Franklin 's, 
63, 64, 120, 121, 123, 124 

Coxe, Daniel, Grand Master, 58 

Crapp, John, Deputy Grand Mas- 
ter, 77 

Duplessis Peter le Barbier, P. D. 
G. M., 162; essay by, 162-164 



347 



1706— £be ffranfcUn Bicentenary — 1906 



Edward VII. King of England, 
receives degree, 13 

Emerson, Lambert, 128 

England, Grand Lodge of, at- 
tended by Franklin, 153 

Evans, Edward, 96 

Facsimile Reprint of Franklin 's 
reprint of Anderson 's ' ' Con- 
stitutions. ' ' 

"Fellow-crafts Song," 27 

First Lodge (St. John's), Boston, 
129 

"First" Lodge, Philadelphia, 132 

First Lodge ("St. John's"), 150 

Fisher, William (Franklin's clerk), 
description of dedication of the 
Masons' "Lodge," 147-8 

Franklin, Benjamin, celebration of 
Bi-centenary of birth of, by the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
14-171 ; address by Grand 
Master Kendrick, upon 
"Franklin the Mason, Diplomat, 
Scientist and Philosopher," 27- 
30 ; " Franklin — the Lesson his 
Life Teaches, ' ' address by 
Edgar A. Tennis, P. G. M., 30- 
41 ; early years, 33 ; epitaph, 
41; "Franklin and the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania," ad- 
dress by Edgar F. Smith, 
42-48; "Franklin as a Free- 
mason," address by Julius 
F. Sachse, 49-169; Masonic 
chronology, 50-54; several Lodges 
in Pennsylvania, 54; in London, 
55 ; return, ib. ; forms Leather 
Apron Club, 56; forms partner- 
ship with Meredith, 57; pub- 
lishes notices of English Masonic 
Lodges, 57, 58 ; " Account of 
Freemasonry, ' ' 59-61 ; becomes 
a Freemason, 61 ; some informa- 
tion, 62 ; observation in cipher, 
63; Common-place Book, 64; 
earliest documentary evidence, 



66; "journal of 1730," ib.; en- 
tries, 67 ; appointed Junior Grand 
Warden, 68; drafts by-laws for 
St. John's Lodge, 68; "On 
Usefulness of Mathematics, ' ' 
71-75; lays Corner Stone of In- 
dependence Hall, 75 ; installed 
Grand Master, 77; elected 
clerk of Assembly, 80; elected 
Grand Master at Tun Tav- 
ern, 82; letters to Henry 
Price, 84-89, 193-202; pleurisy, 
90; essay "Self Denial," 90- 
93; "Ledger A," 93; entries in 
same, 94, 96; Beese tragedy, 
98-120; publishes card from 
Grand and St. John's Lodges. 
100; publishes report of trial of 
Beese tragedy, 102, 106; Brad- 
ford attacks Franklin in the 
American Mercury, 106-110; 
Franklin 's reply in Pennsyl- 
vania Gazette, 111-113; Brad- 
ford's reply, 114-117; vindic- 
tiveness of Bradford, 119; news 
of tragedy reaches Franklin 's 
parents, 119; draft of reply in 
Common-place Book, 120; letters 
to his father and mother, 120- 
123; facsimile, 121, 124; post- 
master, 128 ; chosen clerk of 
General Assembly, 129; attends 
"First" Lodge in Boston, 130; 
activity, ib., 131; appointed 
Provincial Grand Master by 
Oxnard, 131; publishes "Pro- 
posals Relating to the Education 
of Youth," 132; superseded as 
Grand Master by William Allen, 
134; appointed Deputy Grand 
Master, ib. ; founds Pennsylvania 
Hospital, 136; attends Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts, 137; 
obituary of Thomas Oxnard, 13S 
-140 ; account of dedication of 
the Masons' "Lodge" in 1755, 



348 



flnOei 



140-146; publishes dedication Franklin, William, made a Free- 



sermon, 147 ; appointed colonel, 
151 ; military commissioner, ib. ; 
goes to England 1757, ib. ; re- 
turns to Philadelphia, 152; at- 
tends Grand Lodge of England, 
153; goes to France as commis- 
sioner, 154; affiliates with Ma- 
sonic Lodges in France, 154; 
present at initiation of Voltaire, 
155; officiates at Lodge of Sorrow, 
ib. ; serves as ' ' Venerable, " ib. ; 
Venerable d'Honneur, of Order 
of the Temple, 157; member of 
Order of St. John of Jerusalem, 
158 ; succeeds Prince Galitzin, 
ib. ; elected honorary member of 
Loge des Bone Amis at Rouen, 
ib. ; medals struck in his honor, 
ib. ; returns to Philadelphia, 159 ; 
unaffiliated, 160; Bro. Pilmore's 
sermon dedicated to, 165; death 
of, 167; funeral, 167; resolu- 
tions by Congress, 168 ; Me- 
morial Service, 172-192 ; wreaths 
placed on tomb of, 175; invoca- 
tion by Eev. Robert Hunter, 
D.D., 176; address of Grand 
Master Kendrick, 178; "Frank- 
lin as a Freemason and as a 
Man," address by James W. 
Brown, P. G. M., 179-183; ad- 
dresses by Peter Boyd, 183; 
by John L. Kinsey, 184; by 
John Weaver, 190; by the 
Grand Master, 191; closing 
prayer by Rev. Frank B. 
Lynch, 192 ; ' ' Masonic Letters, ' ' 
193; account with St. John's 
Lodge from "Liber B," fac- 
simile reprint of Franklin edi- 
tion, of 1734, of Anderson's 
"Constitutions," 225-319; fac- 
simile of Franklin imprints, 342- 
345 
Franklin, Josiah, 33; letter to, 120 



mason, 132 ; visits Tun Tavern 
Lodge, 137, 138 

Frankliniana, Loan Exhibition of, 
10, 319-321; catalogue, 321-345 
' ' Freemason 's Pocket Compan- 
ion," quoted, 206 

Freemasons ' ' ' Lodge, ' ' proposals 
to build, 138; building of, 139; 
dedication of, 140-146 ; William 
Fisher 's account, 147-8 ; story 
of the old "Lodge," 148-151 

Galitzin, Prince, 158 

Gardner, W. Sewell, P. G. M., 193 

Grand Lodge (Moderns) declare 
abhorrence of the Reese tragedy, 
100; William Plumbsted elected 
Grand Master, 101 ; gloomiest 
period of, 126 ; Grand Lodge 
held under Oxnard 's warrants, 
131 ; orders Bro. Smith 's dedi- 
cation sermon published, 146; 
title, ib. ; dedication, 147 

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
Quarterly Communication, March, 
A. L. 5906, 23; Grand Lodge 
Officers present, 23-26 ; prayers, 
26, 192; formed, 159; issues in- 
vitation to hear charity sermon, 
161; thanks to Rev. Joseph Pil- 
more, 166 

Hamilton, Andrew, draws plan for 
State House, 76, 80 

Hamilton, James, P. G. M., 77, 79, 
80, 81 

Hill, Richard, 138 

Hopkinson, Thomas, P. G. M., 45, 
77 

Hubbard, Bro., 94 

Hughan, Wm. James, quoted, 207 

Hunter, Rev. Robert, D.D., invoca- 
tion by, at Memorial Service, 
176 

Hutchinson, James, P. G. M., 47 

Illustrations, 8 



349 



1706— Gbc jfranhlin Bicentenary — 1906 



Independence Hall, built by Free- 
masons, 75-81 ; banquet at, 80 ; 
Franklin elected clerk of the 
Assembly in, SO 

Ingham, George T., presents 
"Liber B," 205 

Introduction, 9 

Jackson, Rev. Thomas M., prayer 
by, at opening of the Grand 
Lodge, 26 

Jay, John, incident quoted, 154 

Jones, Evan, Dr., commits crime, 
98; indicted, 101; trial and con- 
viction, 102 

"Junto," 63 

Keimer, Samuel, 62 

Keith, Governor William, 56 

Keudrick, George W., Jr., R. W. 
G. M., inaugural address, 10; 
Memorial Volume to be prepared 
under direction of, 10; re- 
quested to take charge of Me- 
morial Service, 13; addresses 
Grand Lodge on ' ' Franklin the 
Mason, Diplomat, Scientist, Phi- 
losopher," 27-30; places wreath 
on Franklin 'a tomb, 175 ; address 
of, at Memorial Service, 178-9; 
concluding address by. 191 

Kinsey, John L., Memorial address 
by, 184 

Kittera, Thomas, P. G. M., 47 

Kloss 's "History of Freemasonry 
in France" quoted, 155 

Lamberton, James M., offers reso- 
lution, 10; appointed to prepare 
Memorial Volume, 14; men- 
tioned, 167 ; ' ' An Account of 
St. John's Lodge, Philadelphia, 
and its 'Liber B,' " by, 203 

"Leather Apron Club," 56, 63 

"Ledger A," mention of, 66, 67, 
86, 93, 209 

"Liber B," mention of, 12, 66, 81, 
96, 199; account of, by James M. 
Lamberton, 203; extracts from. 



206, 208; Franklin's account 
with his Lodge, 216, 219; war- 
dens' accounts, 220-223 

Loan Exhibition of Frankliniana, 
10, 319-321, 321-345 

Lodge No. 2, warranted, 132 

Lodge Number Three, see Tun 
Tavern Lodge. 

Lodge of Sorrow, 155 

Logan, James, quoted, 56 

Loge des Bone Amis, 158 

Loge des IX Soeurs, see Nine 
Sisters, Lodge of 

Lynch, Rev. Frank B., D.D., clos- 
ing prayer by, at Memorial Ser- 
vice, 192 

Mac-Calla, Clifford P., P. G. M., 
"Masonic Letters of Benjamin 
Franklin to Henry Price," 193 

Masonic letters, burned, 193 

"Masonic Letters of Benjamin 
Franklin, of Philadelphia, to 
Henry Price, of Boston, ' ' 193- 
202 

Masonic entries in Franklin 's 
journal, 81, 82; advertisement 
of "Constitutions," 82, 97, 101, 
125, 128, 138, 140-146, 147, 149 

Massachusetts, Grand Lodge of, 
137 

Mease, Dr., quoted, 151 

Medals, struck in Franklin's honor, 
158 

Memorial Service, 172 ; Officers and 
Brethren present, 173 ; escort of 
Officers of the Grand Lodge, 173 ; 
services at tomb of Franklin, 
175; wreaths placed on tomb, 
175 

Memorial Volume ordered, 10, 14 

Meredith, Hugh, forms partnership 
with Franklin, 57 

Mifflin, Samuel, 138 

Milnor, Rev. James, P. G. M., 47 

Mitchell, E. Coppee, P. G. M., 47 

Morris, Robert Hunter, 79 



350 



Ilnfcei 



Newcomb, Bayse, P. G. M., 47 

Nine Sisters [Muses], Lodge of, 
155; facsimile of notice of, 156; 
medal of, 159 

Oxnard, Thomas, Provincial Grand 
Master, 131; death of, 138 

Penn, John, 79 

Penn, Thomas, gets "Mason 
book," 96 

Pennypacker, Gov. Samuel W., 
presides at celebration of the 
American Philosophical Society 
as patron, 13 ; sends wreath to 
Franklin's tomb, 175 

Pennsylvania Gazette, Franklin's, 
54, 57, 58, 59, 60, 68, 71, 80, 81, 
82, 90, 97, 99, 100, 101, 102, 
110, 125, 128, 129, 138, 140, 141, 
142, 146, 147, 167, 194, 195, 199, 
200 

Pennsylvania Hospital, 136, 176, 

186 

Pennsylvania Journal, 149 

Pennsylvania Packet, 161 

Pennsylvania, State of, makes ap- 
propriation for celebration of 
Franklin 's Bi-centenary, 11 

Philadelphia Library, 35, 176, 186 

Philadelphia Contributorship for 
the Insurance of Houses from 
Loss by Fire formed, 136, 176 

Pilmore, Rev. Joseph, sermon by, 
164; its dedication, 165; receives 
thanks of Grand Lodge, 166 

Plumstead, William, P. G. M., 45, 
101; Grand Treasurer, 131, 138 

Polgreen, James, warrant granted 
to, 132 

Prayer by Rev. Thomas M. Jack- 
son, 26; by Rev. Charles H. 
Bond, 170-1; by Rev. Robert 
Hunter, D.D., 176; by Rev. 
Frank B. Lynch, D.D., 192 

Price, Henry, Masonic letters of 
Benjamin Franklin to, 193 



Programme of Bi-centenary cele- 
bration in the Grand Lodge, 15- 
22 

' ' Proposals Relating to the Edu- 
cation of Youth," 132 

Read, John M., P. G. M., 47 

Redman, Thomas, stone mason of 
State House, 77 

Reese, Daniel, tragedy, 98-120; 
death, 99; coroner's verdict, 
101; indicted, ib.; news of 
tragedy reaches Franklin's par- 
ents, 119 

Remington, John, assists at Reese's 
tragedy, 98; indicted, 101; con- 
victed, 101; asks for pardon, 
117; petition, 117-119 

Roosevelt, Theodore, President of 
the United States, sends wreath 
to Franklin's tomb, 175 

Roberdeau, Daniel, 138 

Sachse, Julius F., appointed to pre- 
pare Memorial Volume, 14; ad- 
dress "Franklin as a Free- 
mason," 49-169; mention of, 
205, 207; catalogue of Loan 
Exhibition of Frankliuiana by, 
326-345 

St. John of Jerusalem, Order of, 

158 
St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia, 
61, 65, 66; by-laws of 1732, 
drawn by Franklin, 69 - 71 ; 
members of, become trustees of 
University, 133; "An Account 
of," by James M. Lamberton, 
203; interesting items, 208; list 
of members of, 210-213; Frank- 
lin's account with the Lodge, 
216-219 
St. Paul's Church, charity sermon 

preached in, 164 
Sauer, Christopher, an Anti-Mason, 
126; effort to crush the Free- 
masons, 148 



351 



1706— £be Jfranfclin Bicentenary — 1906 



' ' Self Denial not the Essence of 
Virtue," 91 

Shippen, Edward, 138 

Shippen, Joseph, Jun., P. G. M., 
101; Grand Master, 125; Senior 
Grand Warden, 131 

Smith, Edgar F., receives degree, 
13; address: "Franklin and the 
University of Pennsylvania," 
42-48 

Smith, Jonathan Bayard, P. G. M., 
45 

Smith, Eev. William, 46, 47; 
preaches sermon at dedication of 
the Freemasons' "Lodge," 144 

Smith, William Moore, P. G. M., 
47 

Smith, William Rudolph, P. G. M., 
47 

South Carolina, Freemasonry intro- 
duced into, 125 

State House, Old, see Independence 
Hall. 

Steele, John, 47 

Sublime Lodge of Perfection, in 
Philadelphia, 162 

Sun Tavern, 61 

Swift, John, 138 

Syng, Philip, P. G. M., 45; Grand 
Master, 79 ; makes silver ink- 
stand, ib., 81 ; Grand Master, 
128; Junior Grand Warden, 131 

Tackerbury, John, assists at Eeese 
tragedy, 98; acquitted, 102 

Tennis, Edgar A., P. G. M., ad- 
dress: "Franklin — the Lesson 
his Life Teaches," 31-41 



"The Earth is the Lord's," an- 
them, 30 

Tun Tavern, 133 

Tun Tavern, Franklin elected 
Grand Master at, 82 

Tun Tavern Lodge, 133; minute 
book of, 133; petition to Frank- 
lin for deputation, 134; com- 
mittee, ib. ; facsimile of minutes 
of, 135; minute, 136; object to 
moving to new ' ' Lodge, ' ' 140 ; 
approval, ib. ; meeting of Lodge 
in 1760, 149 

Union Fire Company, 34, 128 

University of Pennsylvania, 13, 34, 
35, 42, 175 

' ' Usefulness of Mathematics, ' ' 
71-75 

Valentz, Brother, letter of, to 
Franklin, 152 

"Victorean Ode," 169-170 

Voltaire, initiation of, 155 

Wallace, John, 138 

Watson 's Manuscript Annals, 
quoted, 57 

Weaver, John, Memorial address 
by, 190 

Weiser, Conrad, letter to, 127 

Whitemarsh, Thomas, 84 ; intro- 
duces Freemasonry in South 
Carolina, 125 

Woolley, Edmund, master carpen- 
ter, at State House, 76; plans 
for charity school, 126 ; fac- 
simile, 127 

Wreath placed upon tomb of 
Franklin, April 19, A. D. 1906, 
175 



352 



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